The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has removed the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and two other senior officers following a security breach involving a death row inmate who allegedly accessed TikTok and conducted live sessions from custody.
The inmate, identified as Elijah Oyebode, was sentenced to death by hanging in 2019 by an Osun State High Court after he was found guilty of murdering Rofiat Adebisi, a final-year student of Osun State University.
Court records showed that Oyebode gave different accounts of the incident before denying involvement during his trial. However, the court convicted him based on medical evidence and other materials presented before it.
Reports alleged that despite being on death row, Oyebode maintained an active TikTok presence, with one of his accounts reportedly reaching Level 20 gifting status, allowing him to receive financial gifts during livestreams. He was also linked to another account allegedly created to impersonate a popular content creator and activist.
Confirming the incident, NCoS spokesman, Chief Superintendent of Corrections JN Osuji, described the development as a serious breach of custodial regulations and security protocols.
Osuji said preliminary investigations revealed that the inmate illegally possessed a prohibited mobile phone, which he used to access social media platforms while in custody.
“The device has been recovered and secured as an exhibit for further investigation,” the statement said.
The NCoS disclosed that Oyebode has been transferred to another custodial facility and placed under enhanced security measures pending the completion of investigations.
The service added that the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre and two other principal officers had been removed from their positions as investigations continue.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.