The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has suspended two officers following the discovery that a convicted inmate was attempting to process a passport while in custody.
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The scandal came to light through automated systems within the Nigeria Immigration Service during routine passport application processing approximately two weeks ago, according to a statement released by the correctional service on Friday.
Controller General of Corrections Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche described the incident as involving “actions that contradict established rules and procedures” and stated that such conduct was “unacceptable and impermissible.”
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), chaired by Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has already taken disciplinary action against the implicated personnel. The swift response demonstrates what officials described as effective inter-agency collaboration between correctional and immigration services.
“The service found out that such actions contradict established rules and procedures, and are unacceptable and impermissible,” the correctional service stated in response to media reports about the incident.
The discovery was made possible through what the service described as “holistic reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service” and automated passport application processes that flagged the irregular activity. Officials praised the detection as evidence of improved inter-agency cooperation and system monitoring.
Controller General Nwakuche used the incident to reinforce his administration’s commitment to maintaining strict standards within Nigeria’s custodial facilities. “The Controller General of Corrections has reiterated his commitment to upholding discipline, transparency, and professionalism in all custodial centres across the country,” the statement read.
The correctional service issued a stern warning to personnel about future misconduct, stating that “any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption, or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system.”
The incident raises questions about security protocols within Nigerian correctional facilities and how inmates might have accessed the resources and assistance needed to initiate passport processing procedures while incarcerated.
Public Relations Officer Umar Abubakar assured the public that the service remains committed to its core mandate of “safe custody, humane treatment, and reform of inmates in line with global best practices.”
The scandal indicates a significant security breach, as passport processing typically requires extensive documentation and verification procedures that should not be accessible to incarcerated individuals. The incident has prompted calls for stronger oversight of correctional facility operations and staff conduct.
The suspended officers face potential criminal charges pending the outcome of investigations into how the passport processing was facilitated and whether other similar incidents have occurred within the system.
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