The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has taken disciplinary action following a viral TikTok live stream involving a death row inmate at the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja by the service spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Corrections and Service Public Relations Officer, Jean Osuji, described the incident as a serious breach of custodial security and violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, alongside other operational regulations.

Osuji said preliminary investigations revealed that the inmate was in unlawful possession of a prohibited mobile phone, which he used to access social media while in custody. 

“The device has since been recovered during a search operation and secured as evidence for further investigation.” 

The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, ordered immediate administrative action, including the removal of the Officer-in-Charge of the facility and two other principal officers. 

“The affected officials are to remain suspended pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

“As an additional security measure, the inmate has been transferred to another facility where he is being held under enhanced security, pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations,” the statement said.

The NCoS further stated that internal findings have identified security lapses that may have enabled the breach, adding that corrective measures are already underway. The service reiterated its commitment to strengthening institutional integrity and eliminating vulnerabilities across custodial centres nationwide.

While confirming the inmate’s culpability, the service said investigations were still ongoing to determine whether any officers, inmates, or external collaborators were complicit in the incident. It warned that anyone found to have facilitated or neglected their duties would face appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions.

The NCoS also appealed to the public and media to avoid speculation as investigations continue, assuring Nigerians of its resolve to maintain safe, secure, and humane custody conditions through sustained reforms, professionalism, and accountability.