Death Row Inmate’s TikTok Live Sparks Ogun Prison Crackdown, Removal Of 3 Officers

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched a major security crackdown following a viral TikTok livestream by a death row inmate at the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, with three senior officers removed from their positions over the security breach.

The action, according to a statement by the Service’s national spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Jane Osuji, on behalf of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, followed preliminary investigations which confirmed that the inmate was in unlawful possession of a prohibited mobile phone, which he used to access TikTok and engage in a live broadcast while in custody.

Nwakuche, in the statement, 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 regulations guiding operations within correctional facilities.

He explained that the prohibited device had been recovered during a search operation and secured as an exhibit as investigations continue.

He added that the inmate had also been transferred to another custodial facility, where he is being held under enhanced security arrangements.

The statement added that, in response to the breach, the NCoS ordered the immediate removal of the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre alongside two other principal officers pending the conclusion of investigations.

The Service said the administrative action was taken to ensure a transparent, impartial and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. It stressed that the removal of the officers does not amount to a final determination of culpability.

According to the NCoS, preliminary findings have revealed security gaps that may have contributed to the inmate’s ability to access and use the prohibited device. The development has prompted renewed enforcement of ongoing security reforms aimed at preventing the entry of unauthorised items into custodial centres nationwide.

The Service is also investigating possible involvement, negligence or complicity by any officer, inmate or external collaborator connected to the incident.

It warned that any person found to have facilitated, aided, condoned or failed in their responsibilities in relation to the breach would face appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions in line with existing regulations.

The Controller-General reiterated the Service’s commitment to strengthening security, professionalism and accountability across all custodial facilities, assuring Nigerians that measures were being intensified to prevent a recurrence.

The NCoS also appealed to members of the public and the media to avoid speculation while investigations remain ongoing, assuring that anyone found responsible would be held accountable.

The statement partly reads, “Preliminary findings confirmed that the inmate was in unlawful possession of a prohibited mobile phone, which he 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.

“I have ordered the immediate removal of the Officer-in-Charge of the Custodial Centre, along with two other principal officers pending the conclusion of the investigations. This administrative action is intended to ensure a transparent, impartial and unhindered investigative process. The statement added.

He further warned 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.”