The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched an investigation following shocking revelations that a convicted armed robber was taken to a passport office in Lagos to process travel documents while serving time in Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday, May 19, 2025, when warders escorted Haruna Ayo — a convict serving a 21-year sentence for armed robbery — to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) passport office in FESTAC Town, Lagos.
Sources disclosed that Ayo had initially been among five inmates selected to carry out menial tasks at the residence of the custodial centre’s officer in charge. However, during the outing, an officer acting under questionable instructions requested that Ayo be released into his custody.
An eyewitness recounted the suspicious sequence of events, saying, “While they were waiting at the passport office, the warder suddenly said, ‘I need to take him back to the cell.’ This drew the attention of immigration officers who immediately detained both the inmate and the escorting officer.”
The immigration officials quickly escalated the issue to the NCoS headquarters at Alagbon. It was later revealed that Ayo had been using medical appointments as a cover to continue his travel documentation process.
“He claimed he had a health condition, which allowed him to visit a hospital near the passport office. But behind the scenes, he was pushing his passport and visa application,” a correctional facility source confirmed.
Investigations uncovered that Ayo had already been cleared by three separate medical evaluations, which declared him medically fit. However, he continued using the health excuse to leave the prison grounds.
The scandal has triggered the suspension of two correctional officers, one identified simply as Femi. However, insiders believe the issue runs deeper. “It’s a system problem. I think the real culprits are not being punished. Many people are involved,” a source said.
This incident comes amid increased scrutiny within Nigeria’s prison system following the high-profile case of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. The scrutiny led to stricter protocols and a crackdown on preferential treatment for certain inmates.
Speaking to the media, the National Public Relations Officer of NCoS, Abubakar Umar, confirmed the incident and disciplinary action. “The staff member suspected to have committed the act has been suspended, and investigation is ongoing,” Umar said.
He added, “The Comptroller-General does not tolerate indiscipline or sabotage. Officers who engage in illegal activities will be dismissed. They are not worthy of wearing the uniform.”
Umar also emphasized the government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ensure discipline and professionalism within the service.
This revelation sheds further light on corruption and misconduct that have plagued Nigeria’s correctional system. Past reports have accused warders of collecting bribes, selling donated goods, and granting VIP privileges to well-connected inmates.
As investigations continue, public pressure is mounting for a full disclosure of all officials involved and stricter oversight of prison operations.
Umar assured, “Further updates will be made public at the conclusion of the investigation.”
The incident remains under scrutiny, with Nigerians demanding accountability and justice in what has become a stunning breach of protocol within the nation’s correctional system.
