The Federal Government has defended the dismissal of senior officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), describing it as a firm signal of zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office within custodial centres.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the defense on Tuesday, at a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja for the presentation and validation of the report of the Independent Investigative Panel on alleged corruption and abuse within the NCoS.
The minister said the affected officers, including an Assistant Controller-General, were removed after being found culpable of misconduct, adding that more sanctions could follow as the investigative panel on corruption concludes its work.
The event drew key justice sector stakeholders, including Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Nigerian Bar Association President, Afam Osigwe; NCoS Controller-General, Sylvester Nwakuche; and the panel chair, Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the panel was set up about 16 months ago to investigate allegations of corruption and rights violations involving some prison officials, particularly in relation to the custody conditions of cross-dresser Bobrisky.
He stressed that correctional facilities must uphold dignity and not subject inmates to degrading treatment. The minister reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to reforms aimed at rehabilitation, reintegration, and the adoption of non-custodial measures to address overcrowding.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, called for stronger collaboration across the justice sector to address systemic challenges within Nigeria’s correctional system. He described the Ministry of Interior’s decision to set up the investigative panel as a bold step toward accountability and transparency, noting that its recommendations would help close critical gaps in the management of custodial centres and strengthen the overall administration of criminal justice in the country.
Also speaking, NCoS Controller-General Sylvester Nwakuche said the panel’s work reflects a commitment to accountability and institutional reform, noting that while most officers serve with integrity, misconduct by a few would not be tolerated.
