Nigerians express outrage over corruption in correctional service after a convict was caught processing a passport outside prison custody

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]orruption in correctional service has come under intense national scrutiny following the exposure of a scandal involving Haruna Ayo, a convict serving time for armed robbery, who was allegedly escorted to a passport office in Lagos while still in custody.

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The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has launched an investigation into how Ayo, currently detained at Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, ended up at the FESTAC Town branch of the Nigeria Immigration Service on Wednesday, May 19, 2025.

Sources say Ayo was among a select group of inmates chosen to perform chores at the residence of a senior officer.

During the outing, a subordinate approached the supervising warder, claiming to act on the orders of a superior officer, and requested that Ayo be handed over.

He was then taken to the passport office where he began the process of securing travel documents. Immigration officers noticed irregularities and promptly detained both the convict and his escort.

What started as a routine assignment turned into a revelation of systemic rot within the prison administration.

Investigations revealed that Ayo had previously faked a medical condition to secure external trips, during which he continued his travel document applications.

The discovery prompted the suspension of at least two officers, while further probing exposed years of privilege abuse within the facility.

“The passport application began last year under the guise of hospital visits,” a source disclosed. “With multiple medical evaluations falsely affirming he was unwell, he used those windows to carry out the process undetected.”

Reactions have been fierce. Legal experts expressed dismay at the continued use of inmates for personal errands and domestic work in private residences of senior officials.

The practice, they argue, undermines the purpose of incarceration and gives way to deeper abuses.

“When somebody is in a correctional centre, they are not supposed to go outside the four walls of the facility,” said Tolu Babaleye.

“The whole idea is for the inmate to reflect and reform. But when the system allows them to run errands or apply for passports, it becomes a mockery of justice.”

The NCS confirmed the incident and assured the public that the matter is under investigation. The Service’s spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, stated that the officer suspected to have enabled the act has been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry.

He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to accountability under the current administration.

However, human rights advocates insist that these issues go beyond isolated misconduct. Lawyer Inibehe Effiong emphasised that allowing an inmate to apply for a passport without a court order is not only unlawful but represents a collapse of internal control.

“This is a direct violation of the law,” Effiong said. “Unless it is for a court appearance or an approved health reason, no inmate should be outside prison walls. The Correctional Service must hold everyone involved accountable.”

This is not the first time the NCS has faced such allegations. In 2024, the Baale of Kirikiri accused officials of collecting N35 million from cross-dresser Bobrisky in exchange for preferential treatment.

A leaked voice note suggested the inmate paid large sums for a private cell, triggering another suspension of top officers.

In a similar incident in Ebonyi State, officers reportedly smuggled a convict out for a secret rendezvous with a girlfriend.

The latest scandal has amplified calls for urgent reform in the country’s prison system. Critics argue that unless disciplinary structures are tightened, the correctional service risks losing credibility.

Senior advocate and former NBA Vice President, Dr Monday Ubani, described the incident as appalling and symptomatic of institutional failure.

“When convicted criminals are allowed to leave custody for illegal errands, it destroys public confidence in the justice system,” Ubani said.

“There must be internal discipline. The system cannot afford to enable escape or abuse disguised as medical visits.”

Public concern continues to mount as the investigation progresses. Observers say the scandal is yet another reminder of how deep corruption runs in the criminal justice sector.

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The nation watches closely as the NCS is forced to reckon with a breach that has not only embarrassed its leadership but shaken public faith in its purpose.