PeakNews Online
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched an investigation into the unauthorized movement of an armed robbery convict, Haruna Ayo, from Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Apapa, to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) passport office in FESTAC Town, Lagos.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, May 19, 2025, has sparked controversy over possible collusion among correctional officers, as the inmate was reportedly on the verge of finalizing travel documentation despite still serving a prison sentence.
Sources within the custodial system say that Ayo, originally sentenced to life imprisonment for armed robbery, had his term reduced on appeal to 21 years, and later further shortened due to undisclosed considerations. He is due for release on October 11, 2025.
According to multiple insiders, Ayo was among five inmates selected for menial tasks at the residence of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Kirikiri custodial centre on the day in question. During the outing, a warder—allegedly acting on the instruction of a superior—removed Ayo from the group and transported him to the FESTAC passport office.
The plan reportedly unraveled when the warder escorting Ayo became visibly agitated while waiting in line and abruptly demanded to return him to custody. The suspicious behavior caught the attention of immigration personnel, who promptly detained both the inmate and the officer and escalated the matter to authorities.
“The escorting officer suddenly said he needed to return the inmate to the cell. This raised eyebrows and immigration officials acted swiftly,” said a source familiar with the incident.
Officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service reportedly contacted NCoS headquarters in Alagbon, prompting a swift internal probe. Two correctional officers have since been suspended over their roles in the incident. One was identified by insiders as an officer named Femi.
Despite the suspensions, a source within the service expressed concern that the root of the problem lies deeper.
“This is a systemic issue. The officers suspended may just be scapegoats, while those who orchestrated the move remain untouched,” the source said.
Another official revealed that Ayo had previously exploited medical referrals to facilitate external movement, during which he allegedly began processing both passport and visa applications.
“He used a health condition as a cover. He kept requesting hospital visits and began his documentation for international travel under that guise,” the official said.
Ayo’s attempt to obtain travel documents while still serving his sentence has raised fears of a broader escape or evasion plot, with implications of an internal conspiracy.
NCoS and NIS officials have yet to issue formal statements regarding the incident as investigations continue.
