NCoS Suspends 2 Officers Over Prison Inmate Passport Scandal

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has suspended two of its officers over a scandal involving a convicted inmate allegedly attempting to obtain an international passport while still in custody.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Service public relations officer, deputy controller of Corrections, Abubakar Umar, the misconduct was uncovered through the automated passport application system operated by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

This discovery, Umar noted, highlighted the strength of ongoing reforms and inter-agency cooperation.

According to him, “The irregularity was flagged a fortnight ago, thanks to improvements in the NIS application process,” the statement read. “It particularly speaks to the increasing effectiveness of collaboration between security and regulatory agencies.”

He disclosed that following an internal investigation, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), chaired by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, approved the suspension of the two implicated officers.

Umar revealed that the action reflected the zero-tolerance stance of the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, who has consistently emphasised professionalism, discipline, and transparency within custodial operations nationwide.

The NCoS reiterated that any personnel involved in misconduct, corruption, or actions undermining the integrity of the correctional system would face strict disciplinary measures.

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 warned.

“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,” he said.

“The public can be assured that the Correctional Service remains committed to its core mandate — the safe custody, humane treatment, and rehabilitation of inmates — in line with global best practices.”

The NCoS spokesman added that the discovery underscored the impact of systemic reforms and the government’s resolve to root out corruption at all levels of the justice and correctional systems.