The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has removed the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, along with two other principal officers, following the viral Ogun inmate TikTok live stream that exposed a major security breach within the facility. The affected officers have been relieved of their duties pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation ordered by the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche.
In a statement issued by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, the NCoS described the incident as a serious violation of custodial security protocols and existing regulations under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019. According to the Service, the officers were removed to ensure a transparent, impartial and credible investigation into how a death row inmate gained access to a prohibited mobile phone and used it to broadcast live on TikTok while in custody.
Preliminary findings established that the inmate unlawfully possessed a mobile phone, which enabled him to access social media from within the correctional facility.
Following a search operation, correctional officials recovered the device and secured it as evidence for further investigations. The inmate has also been transferred to another custodial centre, where he is being held under tighter security while investigators continue their work.
The NCoS disclosed that preliminary investigations had already uncovered security lapses that may have contributed to the Ogun inmate TikTok incident.
Osuji explained that the temporary removal of the officers should not be interpreted as a final determination of guilt but rather as part of efforts to uphold accountability and protect the integrity of the investigation. She added that the incident has reinforced ongoing security reforms initiated by the Controller General to strengthen custodial operations and prevent prohibited items from entering correctional facilities nationwide.
While the inmate’s involvement has been established, the Service said investigations are continuing to determine whether any correctional officers, fellow inmates or external collaborators aided or facilitated the breach. The NCoS warned that anyone found to have participated in, enabled or neglected their responsibilities regarding the incident would face appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions in line with existing regulations.
The Service also thanked members of the public and the media for drawing attention to the incident while urging Nigerians to avoid speculation until investigations are concluded. It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, secure and humane custody of inmates through stronger reforms, professionalism and institutional accountability.
