The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has sanctioned three senior officials, including the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abeokuta, following a security breach involving a death row inmate who illegally possessed a mobile phone and accessed social media from custody.
The Service Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, disclosed this in a statement, saying the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, ordered the immediate removal of the affected officers pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
According to the statement, preliminary findings confirmed that the inmate unlawfully possessed the mobile phone, which was used to access social media while in custody.
The Service said the phone had been recovered, while the inmate had been transferred to another custodial facility under enhanced security as investigations continue.
It added that anyone found to have facilitated or aided the security breach would face appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions in line with existing regulations.
The NCoS reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining discipline, accountability and security across its custodial centres, assuring Nigerians that a thorough investigation was underway and that all those found culpable would be held accountable.
