The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has debunked claims circulating in some media outlets suggesting that an Awaiting Trial Person, Ayomide Adeleye, “is not in prison.”
The Service clarified the matter in a statement issued on Monday by its Deputy Controller of Corrections, Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar ANIPR.
According to the statement, the 23-year-old Adeleye, with Custody Number S-1995/24, was remanded at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri, Lagos, on September 26, 2024.
This followed an order by Magistrate Court 13A, Ogba, Lagos, over charges of kidnapping and murder. Adeleye was presented before the same court on December 16, 2024, where the presiding magistrate directed that he remain in NCoS custody pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
The NCoS emphasized that Adeleye remains in custody at the MSCC, Kirikiri, as ordered by the court, countering the false information circulating in the media.
The Service further explained that the confusion may have arisen from a different inmate with a similar name.
This individual, admitted to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, on March 6, 2024, for theft charges, was discharged on April 4, 2024, by court order.
“The report was clearly aimed at misleading the public and tarnishing the image of the Service,” the statement read.
The NCoS urged journalists to verify their information from credible sources before publishing to avoid spreading misinformation.
The Acting Controller General of Corrections (Ag. CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche MFR, assured the public that the Service remains committed to ensuring the safe and humane custody of all legally detained individuals.
He also reiterated efforts to reform, rehabilitate, and reintegrate inmates into society.
The NCoS called on the public to disregard the misleading report, describing it as the work of “armchair reporters” who failed to exercise due diligence.
