The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has removed the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, along with two other senior officers, following the discovery that a death row inmate used a prohibited mobile phone to conduct live broadcasts on TikTok.

The disciplinary action comes after a video of the inmate, identified as Elijah Oyebode, surfaced on TikTok, raising concerns over security within the custodial facility.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, J.N. Osuji, the NCoS described the incident as a serious breach of custodial security and a violation of established correctional regulations.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations confirmed that the inmate was in unlawful possession of a mobile phone, which he allegedly used to access social media while in custody.

The Correctional Service said the device had been recovered during a search operation and has been secured as evidence as investigations continue.

“The Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Security Custodial Centre, along with two other principal officers, has been removed from their positions pending the outcome of the investigation,” the statement said.

The Service also disclosed that Oyebode has been transferred to another custodial facility, where he is being held under enhanced security measures pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Oyebode was sentenced to death by hanging in 2019 by an Osun State High Court after being convicted of the murder of Rofiat Adebisi, a final-year student of Osun State University. During the trial, the prosecution presented medical and other evidence that led to his conviction.

Reports circulating online alleged that the inmate maintained an active TikTok presence while in custody, with one account reportedly reaching a high gifting level that enabled it to receive monetary gifts during livestreams. Investigators also reportedly linked him to another account alleged to have impersonated a TikTok content creator and activist.

The NCoS said it remains committed to maintaining discipline, strengthening security across custodial centres and holding any personnel found culpable accountable.

The Service added that further actions would be taken based on the outcome of the ongoing investigation into how the prohibited device entered the custodial facility and was used without detection.