The Federal Government has suspended two personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) over their alleged involvement in assisting a convicted inmate to process an international passport while still in custody.
The suspension was confirmed in a statement on Saturday by the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS and Deputy Controller of Corrections, Umar Abubakar, who described the act as a serious misconduct.
Abubakar said the irregularity was “detected through the automated passport application and other holistic reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service,” noting that the discovery highlighted the effectiveness of the collaboration between agencies under the Ministry of Interior.
According to him, “The Service wishes to clarify that this misconduct was uncovered a fortnight ago through reforms introduced in the NIS, which flagged the irregularity. This particularly speaks to inter-agency collaboration and cooperation.”
He further explained that “necessary disciplinary actions were taken including the suspension of the two correctional personnel implicated in the incident by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), chaired by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubumni Tunji-Ojo.”
The Service also stressed its zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline among its staff, warning that officers involved in such misconduct would not be spared.
“The Controller General of Corrections Sylvester Nwakuche, has reiterated his commitment to upholding discipline, transparency, and professionalism in all custodial centres across the country,” Abubakar stated.
He added that the NCoS remains committed to its core responsibilities, which include the secure custody, humane treatment, and reformation of inmates in line with global best practices.
“The Service categorically states that any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption, or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system,” he warned.
