Authorities at the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) are investigating how a convicted armed robber, Haruna Ayo, serving time at Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, was escorted to a passport office in Lagos to process travel documents.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 19, 2025, when Ayo was reportedly taken by warders to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) passport office in FESTAC Town under questionable circumstances. Ayo, initially sentenced to life imprisonment for armed robbery, had his sentence reduced to 21 years on appeal and later adjusted further.
Sources revealed that Ayo was one of five inmates selected to carry out menial duties at the residence of the officer in charge of the custodial facility on the day of the incident. During this errand, an orderly, reportedly acting under instructions from a senior officer, requested custody of Ayo. He was then taken to the passport office.
However, suspicions arose when the warder who accompanied Ayo became impatient while waiting and abruptly said he needed to return the inmate to prison. Immigration officers, noticing the suspicious behavior, detained both the inmate and the warder and escalated the matter to the NIS Lagos Command and subsequently to the Nigerian Correctional Service headquarters in Alagbon.
Two correctional officers have since been suspended. One of them was identified as “Femi.” A source familiar with the situation alleged that the main culprits may not be facing consequences, suggesting systemic complicity.
Another insider disclosed that Ayo had previously used health-related excuses to leave the facility under the guise of seeking medical treatment, during which he began processing a passport and visa. The insider added that the scheme had been ongoing since 2024, largely unnoticed until the high-profile investigation into crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, prompted stricter oversight and exposed irregularities.
“The convict was found to have already completed three medical evaluations declaring him fit, yet he used the health claim to secure special privileges. It’s suspected that the hospital he claimed to visit may have been complicit,” the source said.
The incident has reportedly stirred tension within the custodial facility, with concerns raised over how a convict could attempt to obtain travel documents while incarcerated.
“This is a serious breach,” another official said. “Was he trying to flee the country? It raises many questions.”
This development adds to a series of corruption allegations that have plagued Nigeria’s correctional system, including extortion, preferential treatment for wealthy inmates, and misuse of donated items.
Responding to the incident, NCoS National Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, confirmed the suspension of the officer involved and said investigations are ongoing.
“The staff member involved has been suspended to ensure an unhindered investigation,” Umar stated. “The Comptroller-General does not tolerate indiscipline or sabotage. Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, correctional officers’ welfare is a top priority. While good performance will be rewarded, any officer found engaging in misconduct will be dismissed.”
He assured that more details will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.
