The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the movement of a convicted armed robber, Haruna Ayo, from the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre to a passport office in Lagos for the processing of travel documents.
It was gathered that the controversial incident occurred on Wednesday, when warders from Kirikiri moved the convict to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) passport office in FESTAC Town under suspicious circumstances.
According to credible sources, Ayo was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to life imprisonment, which was later reduced to 21 years on appeal. Further reviews brought his release date closer — he was due to regain freedom on October 11.
It was learnt that on the day of the incident, Ayo was among five inmates selected to carry out menial work at the private residence of the officer in charge of the custodial centre. It was during this outing that a warder, acting under instructions from a purported superior, requested and took custody of Ayo — then transported him to the passport office.
One source said:
“While they waited to be attended to at the passport office, the escorting warder suddenly became anxious and said, ‘I need to take him back to the cell.’ This aroused suspicion among immigration officers who immediately detained both the inmate and the warder and reported the matter.”
The NIS was said to have escalated the matter to the Lagos headquarters of the NCoS in Alagbon. Two officers were subsequently suspended in connection with the incident. One of them was identified simply as Femi.
A source within the facility remarked, “The real culprits are being shielded. This is a systemic rot involving many layers of compromise.”
Another insider revealed that the inmate had long been using medical excuses to leave prison and had initiated passport and visa processes through third-party proxies.
“The plot started last year. He claimed medical issues, which allowed him repeated visits to a certain hospital. That facility is now suspected of being complicit,” the source said.
“Despite undergoing three medical evaluations confirming he was fit, he continued to exploit the health loophole. He enjoyed special privileges—until the scandal surrounding Bobrisky’s treatment at the same facility forced a change of leadership.”
Following a wave of suspensions, stricter oversight was instituted. The convict reportedly became agitated, began making threats, and ultimately exposed the illicit passport arrangement, triggering further investigations.
The development has reportedly caused unrest within the custodial centre, with many questioning how a serving convict was able to reach the passport application stage without detection.
This incident adds to a growing list of corruption scandals within the Correctional Service. In 2024, prison officials were accused of collecting N35 million from socialite Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, to offer VIP treatment during incarceration. That episode led to the suspension of several senior officers.
Similarly, in Ebonyi State, officers at the Afikpo Custodial Centre allegedly smuggled an inmate out of prison for a private visit to his girlfriend.
Confirming the latest incident, the NCoS National Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, said the officer involved had been suspended pending the conclusion of investigations.
“The staff member suspected to have committed the act has been suspended, and investigation is ongoing. The suspension is necessary to ensure a smooth process,” Umar stated.
“The Comptroller-General does not take issues of indiscipline or sabotage lightly. Under the Tinubu administration, correctional officers’ welfare is prioritised, but anyone found involved in misconduct will be dismissed.”
He assured that the outcome of the investigation would be made public.
Legal Experts Decry Rampant Indiscipline
Reacting to the development, legal experts expressed shock at the systemic failure and questioned how a convict could process travel documents without detection.
Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, said:
“The essence of incarceration is restriction of liberty. Unless by court order or for judicial proceedings, inmates cannot and should not be moved out of custody for personal errands. Anything else is illegal.”
He described the act of allowing convicts to move freely — including for medical or sexual engagements — as criminal and demanded full accountability.
Also speaking, legal practitioner Tolu Babaleye described the matter as “a total disgrace” and accused warders of turning the justice system into a joke.
“Inmates are supposed to be reforming behind bars, not running errands or applying for passports. In some cases, they go out, commit crimes, return, and share proceeds with officers. It’s disgusting.”
Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former NBA Vice President, Dr Monday Ubani, called for swift disciplinary action.
“This is a national embarrassment. If a convict escapes while being moved illegally, it undermines the credibility of our judicial system. The Ministry of Interior and the Correctional Service must take this seriously.”
Experts called for strict enforcement of internal rules, punishment of offenders, and a complete overhaul of inmate management protocols in Nigerian prisons.