Federal Gov’t Sacks 15 Prison Officers, Sanctions 216

In a sweeping move to reinforce discipline and uphold professionalism within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has dismissed 15 personnel and sanctioned 216 others in a sweeping disciplinary exercise.

The action, which followed exhaustive investigations and recommendations from the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC), were aimed at sanitising the system and restoring public confidence in the system .

This was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Umar Abubakar.

According to the statement, the Board also approved a range of disciplinary measures after due process was meticulously observed with deliberations on 231 disciplinary cases considered by the CDCFIB.

According to the statement, the cases were brought before the Board by the BDGPC after thorough investigations and due process.

It revealed that out of the 231 cases reviewed, 15 personnel were dismissed for serious misconduct and violation of Service regulations, while 59 officers had their ranks reduced due to breaches of professional standards.

Giving further breakdown, the statement revealed that 42 personnel received written warning letters as corrective measures, while 16 officers were exonerated after being found not guilty.

However, seven (7) staff members were suspended pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

“In a particularly grave case, one officer was suspended from duty and recommended for handover to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution, underlining the Board’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and financial impropriety,” it the states.

Additionally, the statement revealed that eight (8) personnel were compulsorily retired, while one officer’s rank was reversed, with an order to refund all earnings received during the period he wrongfully held the rank.

“The Board, under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunde Ojo, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ethical excellence and professional integrity across all ranks of the Service,” the statement said.

It further stated that the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwacuhe assured the public that all disciplinary measures were implemented with fairness and in strict compliance with established rules and procedures.