Convict Caught Processing Passport and Visa in Lagos Sparks Prison Scandal

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched an investigation following the suspicious movement of Haruna Ayo, a convicted armed robber serving a 21-year sentence at Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) passport office in FESTAC Town, Lagos, for processing travel documents.

The incident occurred on May 19, 2025, when Ayo was among five inmates assigned to menial work at the residence of the officer in charge of the custodial centre. During this outing, an orderly, claiming to act on orders from a superior, took custody of Ayo and transported him to the passport office. While waiting for service, the warder escorting Ayo became impatient and attempted to return him to the prison, which raised suspicions among immigration officials. Both the inmate and the warder were detained and the matter escalated to the NCoS headquarters in Lagos, resulting in the suspension of two officers involved, including one named Femi.

Further investigations revealed that Ayo had been exploiting medical pretences to facilitate his movement outside the prison and had been processing passport and visa documents by proxy since the previous year. Despite multiple medical evaluations declaring him fit, he used the guise of health issues to gain privileges, which were curtailed following probes into similar abuses in the prison system. The hospital allegedly complicit in this arrangement is also under scrutiny.

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This case adds to ongoing concerns about corruption and lax discipline within Nigeria’s correctional facilities, where inmates have reportedly enjoyed special treatments, including extortion and unauthorized outings. Legal experts condemned the incident, emphasizing that inmates should not leave custody except under court orders or legitimate judicial processes. They warned that such breaches undermine the justice system and called for strict accountability and reforms within the Correctional Service.

The NCoS Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, confirmed the suspension of implicated staff and assured that the investigation is ongoing, with further updates to be provided upon conclusion. The Comptroller-General under President Bola Tinubu’s administration has vowed to uphold discipline and reward outstanding officers while expelling those involved in illegal activities.

This scandal highlights systemic challenges in Nigeria’s penal institutions, necessitating urgent reforms to restore integrity and public trust.