Nigerian Correctional Service Removes Ibara Prison Boss, Two Officers Over D£ath Row Inmate’s TikTok Live
Nigerian Correctional Service Removes Ibara Prison Boss, Two Officers Over Death Row Inmate’s TikTok Live
The Service disclosed that preliminary investigations confirmed that the inmate had unlawfully obtained and possessed a prohibited mobile phone, which he used to access social media while serving his sentence.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) has ordered the immediate removal of the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, alongside two other principal officers, following the unauthorised use of a mobile phone by a death row inmate who broadcast a live session on TikTok from inside the custodial facility.
The disciplinary action was announced on Thursday in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections JN Osuji, on behalf of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.
The development followed widespread public outrage after a viral TikTok live stream showed an inmate on death row using a mobile phone while in custody, raising concerns over security within the nation’s correctional facilities.
According to the statement, the Controller-General 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.”
The Service disclosed that preliminary investigations confirmed that the inmate had unlawfully obtained and possessed a prohibited mobile phone, which he used to access social media while serving his sentence.
“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 statement said.
It added that “the device has since been recovered following a search operation and secured as an exhibit for further investigation.”
As part of additional security measures, the inmate has been transferred from the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre to another correctional facility, where he is now being held under enhanced security pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
The Service also revealed that the preliminary inquiry uncovered security lapses that may have contributed to the breach.
“In demonstration of the Service’s commitment to accountability and institutional integrity, the Controller-General has ordered the immediate removal of the Officer-in-Charge of the Custodial Centre, along with two other principal officers pending the conclusion of the investigations,” the statement read.
It clarified that “this administrative action is without prejudice to the final outcome of the investigation and is intended to ensure a transparent, impartial and unhindered investigative process.”
The Nigerian Correctional Service said the incident had further underscored the importance of the Controller-General’s ongoing security reforms since assuming office.
According to the statement, the reforms are aimed at eliminating security vulnerabilities and preventing the introduction of prohibited items into custodial centres nationwide.
“The preliminary findings from this incidence has further reinforced the need for these reforms and has directed their full implementation and intensified compliance across all Commands and Custodial Centres,” it stated.
While the Service said investigations had already established the inmate’s culpability, it stressed that inquiries were continuing into the possible involvement of correctional personnel, other inmates or external collaborators.
“While investigation has established the inmate’s culpability, investigations into the possible involvement, negligence or complicity of any officer, inmate or external collaborator remain ongoing,” the statement said.
The Service warned that anyone found to have played any role in facilitating the security breach would face disciplinary consequences.
The Nigerian Correctional Service also expressed appreciation to members of the public and the media for drawing attention to the incident.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service appreciates the vigilance of members of the public and the media in bringing matters of public interest to national attention,” the statement said.
It, however, appealed to Nigerians to refrain from speculation while investigations continue, assuring the public of its commitment to maintaining secure custodial facilities.
The disciplinary action follows widespread public outrage triggered by a Nigerian Tribune investigation that exposed how a death-row inmate, Elijah Oyebode, allegedly operated social media accounts and ran business activities from inside the Ibara Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The investigation, published on August 1, 2026, revealed that Oyebode, who was sentenced to death by hanging for the 2016 murder of Rofiat Damilola Adebisi, a final-year student of Osun State University, allegedly hosted TikTok Live sessions from his condemned cell, received monetary gifts from thousands of followers, placed sports bets, and claimed that more than 2,000 smartphones were in circulation among about 1,000 inmates at the facility.
The revelations sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians questioning security and oversight within the correctional centre. The story also trended nationally and was discussed on Arise Television as one of the country’s leading issues.
Days after the report was published, the TikTok account linked to Oyebode, @ayola.oluwafu, became inaccessible. Checks conducted by Nigerian Tribune on August 4 and again before the report was filed showed the account displayed the message: “Couldn’t find this account.”
However, it remains unclear whether the account was removed by TikTok, disabled by prison authorities, or deleted by Oyebode himself.
