LAGOS, Nigeria — The Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, has confirmed the suspension of four senior officers from its Kirikiri and Kuje facilities following their alleged involvement in various acts of misconduct.
The announcement came after a video surfaced online, where one of the suspended officers claimed he had not been served a suspension letter as directed.
In a statement released by Assistant Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer Umar Abubakar, on Tuesday, October 2, 2024, the NCoS labeled the video an “act of gross misconduct aimed at misleading the public on the issue at hand.”
The statement emphasised that the officer in question and three others had been suspended to allow for further investigation into the alleged misconduct.
The officers suspended include Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Sikiru Adekunle, Officer-in-charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos; DCC Michael Anugwa, Officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri; DCC Kevin Ikechukwu Iloafonsi, Officer-in-charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja; and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC II) Ogbule Samuel Obinna of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abakiliki, Ebonyi state.
According to the NCoS, “two letters were issued by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) with reference Nos: CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/16 and CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/17 both dated 26th September, 2024, suspending the aforementioned officers.”
The suspension, it was confirmed, took effect immediately on the same day.
The Service has urged the public to “remain resolute” as the investigation continues, reiterating that any individuals found guilty would be dealt with in accordance with the Public Service Rules and other relevant laws.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service is committed to conducting thorough investigations and upholding discipline within the Service,” the statement added.
This development comes amid a viral video in which one of the suspended officers, DCC Michael Anugwa, denied receiving any suspension notice.
Addressing members of the House of Representatives joint committee on financial crimes and reformatory institutions, Anugwa, who oversees the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos, maintained that “it was a social media report. I wasn’t served a letter.”
Anugwa’s suspension, reported in the Nigerian press last week, noted his involvement in a high-profile case concerning Nigerian cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
Allegations surfaced earlier in the year accusing some officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of accepting bribes to drop money laundering charges against Okuneye.
It was further alleged that Okuneye had paid for preferential treatment during his incarceration.
Bobrisky has denied all accusations, and both the EFCC and NCoS have launched investigations into the matter.
The NCoS maintains that the suspension of the four officers, including Anugwa, is part of ongoing efforts to address these claims and other misconduct within the Service.
As the investigation unfolds, the NCoS has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the allegations.
