Nigerian Correctional Service Probes Inmate's Viral TikTok Live Stream

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched a probe into a serious security breach involving a death row inmate who broadcasted live on TikTok from the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State. In response, the Officer-in-Charge of the facility, along with two other principal officers, have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

According to CSC Jane Osuji, the Service's Public Relations Officer, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, ordered the removals to ensure a transparent investigation. The NCoS described the incident as a grave violation of custodial security and regulations, noting that preliminary findings confirmed the inmate was in unlawful possession of a mobile phone, which he used to access social media. The phone has been recovered and secured as evidence.

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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 inmate has been transferred to a different facility under heightened security measures while the investigation continues. The NCoS stated that the probe aims to identify any security gaps that may have contributed to the breach and to hold accountable any officer, inmate, or external collaborator involved. The service emphasized its commitment to accountability and institutional integrity, highlighting ongoing security reforms designed to prevent prohibited items from entering custodial centers.

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The Service wishes to assure Nigerians 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.