The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has launched a full-scale investigation into a shocking case involving the unauthorized movement of a convicted armed robber, Haruna Ayo, from the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Lagos to a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) passport office—allegedly to process international travel documents.
The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, May 19, 2025, has sent ripples through the correctional system. Sources revealed that warders from the high-security prison escorted Ayo, who is serving a 21-year sentence for armed robbery, to the NIS office in FESTAC Town under highly suspicious circumstances.
According to PUNCH, Ayo was originally sentenced to life imprisonment before his term was commuted following a successful appeal and further judicial considerations. On the day of the illicit outing, Ayo was reportedly among five inmates selected to perform menial duties at the residence of the officer-in-charge of the custodial centre. It was during this period that an orderly—claiming to act on directives from a superior officer—requested and received custody of Ayo.
A source familiar with the matter disclosed that Ayo was then driven to the NIS passport office. However, what was supposed to be a covert operation quickly unraveled when the accompanying warder grew impatient and abruptly declared, “I need to take him back to the cell,” while they were still waiting to be attended to.
This raised red flags among alert immigration officers, who immediately detained both the inmate and the warder and alerted their superiors. The NIS swiftly escalated the matter to the NCS headquarters at Alagbon, prompting a preliminary crackdown.
Two prison officers, including one identified as Femi, were suspended in connection with the scandal. But insiders believe the rot runs deeper.
“I think the real culprits are being protected. This is a system failure. Multiple officers are likely complicit,” one insider remarked.
Further investigations revealed that Ayo had previously exploited medical loopholes to orchestrate his movements outside the prison. Posing as a critically ill inmate, he repeatedly requested hospital visits where, unknown to many, he began processing his passport and visa applications—allegedly with the help of external collaborators.
“This whole charade began last year,” another source revealed. “Everything moved smoothly for him until the Correctional Service came under scrutiny during the Bobrisky case. That shake-up led to the suspension of several top officers and the arrival of stricter leadership. The special treatment some inmates enjoyed came to an abrupt end.”
Ayo reportedly reacted poorly to the crackdown, threatening to blackmail officials and creating unrest. His behavior prompted further scrutiny, leading to the discovery that he had already undergone three medical evaluations—all of which declared him medically fit, casting doubt on the legitimacy of his supposed illness. Investigators now suspect that a hospital may have colluded in the deception.
“The bigger question now is: what was his endgame?” asked another source. “Was he planning to flee the country? The entire operation reeks of collusion and corruption. It’s a disgraceful situation.”
The NCS has confirmed the incident and assured Nigerians that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.
Abubakar Umar, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, said:
“The staff member suspected to have committed the act has been suspended, and an investigation is ongoing. The suspension is necessary to allow a fair and unimpeded inquiry.”
Umar further emphasized that the Comptroller-General, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, has zero tolerance for indiscipline.
“This administration places top priority on the welfare and integrity of correctional officers. While exceptional performance will be rewarded, those caught engaging in misconduct will be dismissed and prosecuted. They are unfit to wear the uniform,” he said.
The NCS promised to make further details public upon conclusion of the investigation.
This latest development adds to a long-standing pattern of corruption within Nigeria’s prison system, where warders have previously been accused of extortion, illegal sales of donated items, and offering VIP privileges to well-connected inmates. The case of Haruna Ayo now threatens to expose deeper systemic rot within Nigeria’s correctional institutions.
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