The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed the suspension of its senior officers linked to the alleged ₦15m bribery allegations.
The Civil Defence, Correctional Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) had earlier announced the suspension of four of its officers linked to various corruption cases.
Following the announcement, a trending video of one of its senior officers claimed that the Service had not served him a letter of suspension as earlier directed by the Civil Defence, Correctional Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).
However, a statement signed by Assistant Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer of the service, Umar Abubakar, said the service viewed the denial as an act of gross misconduct aimed at misleading the public on the issue at hand.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Correctional Service suspended not only the said officer in the video, but three other officers following their alleged roles in various misconducts so as to allow for further investigation.
“The suspended officers are the officer-in-charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Sikiru Adekunle; the officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa; the officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, FCT command, DCC Kevin Ikechukwu Iloafonsi; and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC II) Ogbule Samuel Obinna of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abakiliki, Ebonyi state,” the statement added.
The statement further revealed that 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 statement also disclosed that the suspension of the officers took effect from the 26th of September, 2024, which was conveyed to the affected officers.
The statement further advised the public to remain resolute as the Service would ensure that thorough investigation would be carried out.