By ADEBAYO GBEJA

The Controller-General of Corrections (CGC) of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, has ordered the immediate removal of the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre, Abeokuta.

The Service Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, who made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said that the CGC also ordered the removal of two other principal officers.

Nwakuche ordered their removal from their positions after a viral TikTok live stream involving an inmate on death row in the facility sparked public concern over security.

He described the incident as a serious breach of custodial security and a violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, the Service Standing Orders and other extant regulations governing custodial operations.

He said that preliminary investigations confirmed that the inmate was in unlawful possession of a prohibited mobile phone, which was used to access social media while in lawful custody.

“The device has since been recovered following a search operation and secured as an exhibit for further investigation.

“As an additional security measure, the inmate has been transferred to another custodial facility, where he is being held under enhanced security pending the conclusion of investigations,” he said.

The CGC added that preliminary findings also identified security gaps that may have contributed to the breach.

He said that the removal of the affected officers was without prejudice to the outcome of ongoing investigations and intended to ensure a transparent, impartial and unhindered investigative process.

He emphasised that his administration had continued to implement security reforms since assuming office to eliminate vulnerabilities and prevent the smuggling of prohibited items into custodial centres.

He added that the incident had further reinforced the need to fully implement the reforms and intensify compliance across all commands and custodial centres nationwide.

Nwakuche said that though investigations had established the inmate’s culpability, inquiries into the possible involvement, negligence or complicity of any officer, inmate or external collaborator were still ongoing.

“We assure Nigerians that anyone found to have facilitated, aided, condoned or failed in their responsibilities in connection with this incident will face appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions in accordance with extant regulations,” he said.

The CGC appreciated members of the public and the media for drawing attention to the incident and appealed against speculation while investigations continue.

He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to ensuring the safe, secure and humane custody of all persons legally committed into its care through continuous reforms, professionalism and accountability. (NAN)

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