6.8.2026
The Officers-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State has been relieved of their duties after an inmate on death row made several TikTok livestreaming from behind the walls.
According to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesperson Jane Osuji, the Controller-General Sylvester Nwakuche ordered the removal of the two officers in charge of the facility.
Mr. Nwakuche was enraged following after the viral TikTok livestream involving the inmate Elijah Oyebode, on death row for murder sparked public concern over security.
He described the incident as a serious breach of custodial security and a violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, the Service Standing Orders and other extant regulations governing custodial operations.
He said that preliminary investigations confirmed that the inmate was in unlawful possession of a prohibited mobile phone, used to access social media while in lawful custody.
“The device has since been recovered following a search operation and secured as an exhibit for further investigation.
“As an additional security measure, the inmate has been transferred to another custodial facility, where he is being held under enhanced security pending the conclusion of investigations,” he said.
The CGC added that preliminary findings also identified security gaps that might have contributed to the breach.
He said that the removal of the affected officers was without prejudice to the outcome of ongoing investigations and intended to ensure a transparent, impartial and unhindered investigative process.
“We 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,” he said. NAN