NCoS suspends prison officers over inmate passport scandal

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has suspended two officers following a recent incident involving a convicted inmate allegedly attempting to process an international passport while in custody.

The NCoS Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, made this known via a statement issued on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Umar disclosed that the misconduct was detected through the automated passport application system operated by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

Umar said: “The Service wishes to clarify that this misconduct was uncovered a fortnight ago through reforms introduced in the NIS, which flagged the irregularity.

“This particularly speaks to inter-agency collaboration and cooperation.

“The implicated officers were suspended by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of disciplinary measures.”

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Umar quoted the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, as reaffirming the service’s commitment to discipline, transparency, and professionalism across all custodial facilities across Nigeria.

Nwakuche also reiterated the service’s dedication to its core mandates of secure custody, humane treatment, and the reformation of inmates in line with international standards.

“The Service categorically states that any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption, or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system,” he added.

The Star