NCoS Suspends Two Officers Aiding Inmates To Process Passports
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Correctional Service has suspended two of its personnel for their involvement in aiding a convicted inmate to process an international passport while in custody.
The Service’s Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar disclosure this in a statement on Saturday.
TheFact Daily gathered that the incident happened on Wednesday, May 19, 2025, when warders from the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Apapa, moved the inmate, identified as Haruna Ayo, to the Nigeria Immigration Service passport office at FESTAC Town under suspicious circumstances.
However, while waiting to be attended to, the warder escorting him became impatient and said, ‘I need to take him back to the cell’. This raised suspicion among immigration officers, who then detained both the inmate and the warder and alerted their superiors.
According to a credible source, Ayo was convicted for armed robbery and sentenced to life imprisonment, which was later reduced to 21 years on appeal and further reviewed downward after some consideration. He was due for release on October 11, 2025.
The convict had been using medical pretences to process the passport and visa.
According to Umar, the misconduct was detected through the automated passport application system operated by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing inter-agency cooperation.
“The service found out that such actions contradict established rules and procedures and are unacceptable and
impermissible.
“Subsequently, necessary disciplinary actions where taking including the suspension of the two personnel of the NCoS implicated in the incident by the Civil Defense, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Service Board (CDCFIB) chaired by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo”, Umar stated.
Meanwhile, the Controller General of Corrections (CGC) Sylvester Nwakuche, has reiterated his commitment to upholding discipline, transparency and professionalism in all custodial centers across the country.
The Service, while stating categorically that any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system, assured the public that it remains committed to its mandate of safe custody, humane treatment and reform of Inmates in line with global best practices.
