The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed allegations that Ayomide Adeleye, an Awaiting Trial Person, is no longer in custody.
Naijaonpoint reports that the Service confirmed that Adeleye, aged 23, remains detained at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos.
In a statement issued by NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar, the Service clarified that Adeleye was remanded on September 26, 2024, by Magistrate Court 13A in Ogba, Lagos, on charges of kidnapping and murder.
His custody was reaffirmed during a court appearance on December 16, 2024, where the magistrate ordered his continued detention pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecution.
Ayomide Adeleye
The statement addressed misinformation circulating in the media, describing it as “misleading” and “mischievous.” The NCoS emphasized that Adeleye remains in lawful custody and attributed the mix-up to confusion with another individual who shares a similar name.
The second inmate, detained at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, for theft, was released on April 4, 2024, following a court order. The NCoS criticised the erroneous report, urging journalists to verify information from credible sources before publication to avoid spreading falsehoods.
“To further clarify, an inmate with a similar name was admitted to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, on March 6, 2024, for theft. This individual was discharged on April 4, 2024, by court order. The misleading report appears to conflate the two cases,” the statement explained.
Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, reaffirmed the NCoS’s commitment to upholding justice, ensuring safe and humane custody, and rehabilitating inmates for reintegration into society.
He called on the public to disregard the false reports and trust the Service’s dedication to maintaining transparency and the rule of law.
“The Service is working tirelessly to ensure the safe custody of all legally detained persons while fostering their reformation, rehabilitation, and resettlement into their communities,” Nwakuche added.
The NCoS reiterated its appeal for accurate reporting and urged the media to avoid actions that could undermine public confidence in the justice system.