The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the dismissal of Assistant Superintendent of Corrections, Efe Onakpoya, for allegedly sharing unauthorized photographs of an inmate at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Onakpoya was sacked by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board after he reportedly exposed a fellow officer, Ogbule Samuel Obinna, for allegedly sneaking an inmate out of the facility for a private visit with his girlfriend.
However, the NCoS, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, claimed that an internal investigation into the allegations revealed no wrongdoing on the part of Officer Obinna. The Service asserted that the accusations were baseless and lacked credible evidence.
“The internal review, which included a rigorous assessment of all relevant facts and testimonies, concluded that there was no credible evidence linking the officer to any misconduct,” the statement read.
Instead, the Service said Onakpoya was dismissed for professional misconduct, including the unauthorized photographing of inmate Ibuchi Okoro Eze, uploading sensitive materials online, and spreading false and damaging allegations against the institution.
According to the statement, Onakpoya’s actions breached the Service’s ethical standards and were met with swift disciplinary action.
“The officer in question, ASC I Efe Onakpoya (Service No. 57790), was relieved of his duties following proven misconduct,” the spokesperson said, emphasizing the Service’s commitment to discipline, integrity, and the protection of custodial operations.
The NCoS reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on ethical violations and affirmed its commitment to transparency and professionalism within the correctional system.
