Convict Found Processing Passport in Lagos While Serving Jail Term – Kirikiri Under Fire
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched an investigation after a robbery convict, Haruna Ayo, was discovered attempting to process a passport and visa while still serving a 21-year sentence at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos.
How It Happened
The incident reportedly occurred on , when prison warders allegedly escorted Ayo to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) office in FESTAC Town under suspicious circumstances.
According to insiders, Ayo had been selected as one of five inmates assigned to carry out chores at the private residence of a top prison official. However, during the outing, he was reportedly handed over to another officer who took him to the passport office without formal clearance.
While at the NIS facility, a warder became anxious and expressed a need to return the inmate to custody. His behavior drew the attention of immigration officers who promptly detained both the convict and the escort officer, escalating the case to prison headquarters.
Abuse of Medical Excuse
Sources claim the inmate had frequently used medical reasons to leave prison under the pretense of seeking treatment. Further investigations revealed that the passport application had been ongoing for several months, raising suspicions of systemic collusion.
“The inmate claimed health issues to secure hospital visits, but instead he was processing travel documents by proxy,” one insider revealed. “After senior officers were reshuffled due to other scandals, security tightened, and his privileges were revoked — leading to fresh protests that eventually exposed his movements.”
Disciplinary Action Underway
Two correctional officers have reportedly been suspended, including one identified as Officer Femi. The Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed that disciplinary measures were being enforced while investigations continued.
“The officer involved has been suspended. Any prison official who violates the law will face appropriate sanctions. This administration is committed to integrity,” – NCoS spokesperson Abubakar Umar stated.
Legal and Public Reactions
Legal professionals and human rights advocates have described the development as a gross abuse of the correctional system.
“Allowing inmates to leave custody for personal business like passport processing is illegal and deeply troubling,” said Inibehe Effiong, a human rights lawyer. He emphasized that inmates are only permitted to leave with proper court authorization.
Similarly, Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN) called for urgent reforms within the correctional service, warning that lapses like this undermine the justice system and pose serious security risks.
History of Corruption in the System
This scandal follows previous revelations involving preferential treatment of high-profile inmates. In 2024, Kirikiri officials were accused of accepting bribes to provide influencer Bobrisky with a luxurious stay behind bars — a case that led to widespread condemnation and suspensions.
Other reports have highlighted similar breaches, including the case of an inmate allegedly taken out of Ebonyi prison for a secret rendezvous with his girlfriend.
Editor’s Note: The investigation into this case is still ongoing. Updates will be published as they become available.
