The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has initiated a full-scale investigation after a convicted armed robber, Haruna Ayo, was discovered processing a passport and visa at the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) office in Lagos under suspicious circumstances.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 19, when warders from Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Apapa transported Ayo to the NIS passport office in FESTAC Town. Ayo, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for armed robbery—later reduced to 21 years and further reviewed—is scheduled for release on October 11, 2025.
According to sources, Ayo was among five inmates assigned to perform menial tasks at the residence of the officer in charge of the custodial centre on the day of the incident. During this outing, a subordinate officer, allegedly acting on orders from a superior, instructed the supervising warder to hand Ayo over to him. Ayo was then taken to the passport office.
Suspicion arose when the warder escorting Ayo expressed impatience, stating he needed to return the inmate to the cell. Immigration officials detained both Ayo and the warder and escalated the matter to the NCoS Lagos Command at Alagbon.
Following the discovery, at least two correctional officers, including one identified as Femi, have been suspended pending investigation. A source lamented that the issue is systemic, involving multiple personnel.
Further inquiries revealed that Ayo had been exploiting medical appointments as a cover to move freely and process travel documents. Despite claims of health issues requiring treatment at a hospital near FESTAC, three separate medical evaluations confirmed he was fit. The hospital itself is under investigation for potential complicity.
The NCoS Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, confirmed the suspension of involved staff and emphasized that the Comptroller-General is committed to rooting out indiscipline and illegal activities within the service.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong weighed in, stating, “The essence of incarceration is the restriction of liberty. An inmate cannot be taken out of custody unless by a court order, for judicial proceedings, or if sentenced to community service. Anything outside this is illegal.”
This scandal follows previous controversies involving prison officials accused of facilitating special treatment and unauthorized inmate movements, underscoring ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s correctional system.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has pledged to ensure a thorough investigation and hold all responsible parties accountable.
