The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has removed the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and redeployed two other senior officers following a security breach that allowed a death-row inmate to conduct a viral TikTok livestream from inside the prison.

The incident, which sparked widespread public outrage after circulating on social media, has renewed concerns over the infiltration of contraband mobile phones into custodial centres and the effectiveness of security measures in facilities housing high-risk inmates.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, described the breach as a serious violation of custodial regulations and ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine how the condemned inmate gained access to a prohibited mobile phone.

The statement, signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Jane Osuji, said preliminary investigations confirmed that the inmate unlawfully possessed the device, which was used to access TikTok and other social media platforms while in custody.

According to the NCoS, the phone has been recovered during a search operation and secured as evidence, while the inmate has been transferred to another correctional facility under enhanced security pending the outcome of investigations.

The Service said preliminary findings uncovered security lapses that may have enabled the breach, prompting immediate administrative action against senior officials at the custodial centre.

“The Controller-General has ordered the immediate removal of the Officer-in-Charge of the Custodial Centre, along with two other principal officers, pending the conclusion of investigations,” the statement said.

The NCoS clarified that the removals are precautionary administrative measures intended to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation and should not be construed as a determination of guilt.

Investigators are examining whether correctional personnel, inmates or external collaborators facilitated the smuggling of the prohibited mobile phone into the facility.

The Service warned that any officer or individual found to have aided, condoned or failed to prevent the security breach would face disciplinary and administrative sanctions in accordance with the law.

As part of its response, the Controller-General also ordered a nationwide review of security protocols across correctional centres to strengthen internal controls, curb the circulation of contraband items, and prevent similar incidents from recurring.