FG dismisses 15 prison officers, demotes 59 over misconduct

The Federal Government has dismissed 15 officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and demoted 59 others for various acts of misconduct and indiscipline.

This was revealed in a statement by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, following a review of 224 disciplinary cases by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) under the Ministry of Interior.

According to Abubakar, the disciplinary actions were based on the recommendations of the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee after thorough investigations and due process.

“In line with the Board’s commitment to upholding discipline and integrity within the Service, 59 officers were demoted for confirmed breaches of professional standards, while 42 were issued warning letters,” the statement read.

He added that 16 officers were cleared of allegations against them, while seven remain on suspension pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

In one severe case, an officer was suspended and recommended for prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Additionally, eight personnel were compulsorily retired, and one officer was directed to refund all earnings after being found to have held an unearned rank.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunde Ojo, who chairs the CDCFIB, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to enforce ethical standards and accountability across the Service.

Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwacuhe, assured the public that all disciplinary actions would be fair and consistent with existing regulations.