Nigerian Correctional Service Probes Passport Processing Scandal Involving Robbery Convict

A convicted robber’s suspicious passport trip sparks outrage and probes into prison system abuse.

With officers suspended and reforms demanded, Kirikiri’s secrets are once again under scrutiny.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched an investigation into how a convicted armed robber, Haruna Ayo, was allegedly moved from the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Lagos to a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) passport office under suspicious circumstances.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, May 19, 2025, has sparked widespread concerns over corruption and security breaches within the custodial system. According to multiple sources, Ayo, who was serving a reduced sentence of 21 years (originally a life term), was scheduled for release on October 11, 2025.

Ayo was reportedly among five inmates taken to perform menial work at the residence of the officer-in-charge of the custodial center on the day of the incident. During the assignment, a warder allegedly acting on instructions from a senior officer requested that Ayo be released to him. He then escorted the convict to the NIS passport office in FESTAC Town.

While at the passport office, suspicions were raised when the warder became visibly anxious and insisted on taking Ayo back to the facility. This prompted immigration officials to detain both the inmate and the warder and report the case to the NCoS headquarters in Lagos.

A senior source confirmed that at least two officers had been suspended, including one identified as “Femi,” though there are concerns the actual masterminds may be escaping punishment.

“Ayo had long been abusing the system. He claimed to be receiving medical treatment and used the opportunity to secretly process a passport and visa,” said one source.

The scheme allegedly began in 2024, with Ayo using medical trips to disguise his activities. His plans remained undetected until recent disciplinary actions triggered by the Bobrisky prison scandal prompted a shake-up within the custodial leadership.

“Ayo was one of the inmates benefiting from special treatment before the changes. After the new officers took over, restrictions were tightened. He became agitated and started threatening blackmail, which led to investigations. That’s when his passport application efforts were discovered,” the source added.

Officials now suspect that even the hospital Ayo claimed to be visiting might have been part of the conspiracy. It was revealed that three separate medical evaluations had declared him fit, suggesting his health claims were fabricated.

“This incident has caused major unrest at the Kirikiri center,” another source revealed. “How could an inmate nearing release be trying to get a passport? Was he planning to flee the country?”

These developments add to a string of corruption allegations plaguing Nigeria’s correctional facilities. In 2024, the Baale of Kirikiri accused prison officials of collecting N35 million to provide influencer Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, with VIP treatment. A leaked audio recording had suggested the cross-dresser paid bribes for a special apartment during his incarceration, leading to suspensions of top officers.

In a separate incident, officers at Afikpo Custodial Centre in Ebonyi State were accused of smuggling an inmate out to visit his girlfriend.

Speaking on the current case, the NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, confirmed that one officer has been suspended pending investigation.

“The staff suspected to be involved has been suspended to enable an unhindered investigation,” Umar said. “This administration, under President Bola Tinubu, will not tolerate sabotage or indiscipline. Officers found guilty of misconduct will be dismissed.”

Legal experts have since weighed in on the issue, expressing outrage at the breach of protocol. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong said, “The whole idea of incarceration is to restrict liberty. No inmate should leave custody unless by court order or for judicial proceedings. Anything outside this is illegal.”

Effiong warned that permitting inmates to leave for personal activities, including processing travel documents or sexual visits, is a clear violation of the law.

Similarly, lawyer Tolu Babaleye described the scandal as disgraceful, noting that prison terms are meant to reform convicts not offer them private freedoms.

“There have been instances where inmates were taken out to commit more crimes and returned to share proceeds with warders. It’s disgusting,” Babaleye added.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr Monday Ubani, echoed the criticism.

“This shows a worrying level of carelessness within the system. Allowing inmates to move freely without proper authorisation undermines justice and damages the credibility of the Ministry of Interior. There must be zero tolerance for such misconduct,” Ubani said.

As investigations continue, many are calling for deeper reforms within the NCoS to prevent further abuse and restore public confidence in the integrity of Nigeria’s correctional system.