The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed a report alleging that Ayomide Adeleye, a 23-year-old awaiting trial for kidnapping and murder, is no longer in custody.
The Service clarified that Adeleye remains in detention at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri, Lagos, as ordered by the court.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Umar Abubakar, Deputy Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer, the NCoS condemned the report as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish the image of the Service.
The statement revealed that Adeleye, identified by Custody Number S-1995/24, was remanded at the MSCC on September 26, 2024, following an order by Magistrate Court 13A, Ogba, Lagos.
The Service noted that he was later produced in court on December 16, 2024, where the presiding magistrate directed that he remain in custody pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
The NCoS explained that the confusion may have arisen from a mix-up with another inmate bearing a similar name. “The other inmate, remanded at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, on March 6, 2024, for theft, was discharged on April 4, 2024, by court order”, the Service explained.
It also criticized the report as irresponsible journalism and called on media practitioners to verify information before publication. “This falsehood could have been avoided if due diligence was exercised,” the statement read.
Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, Acting Controller General of Corrections, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to ensuring the safe and humane custody of all inmates while facilitating their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The NCoS urged the public to disregard the misleading report and assured Nigerians of its dedication to upholding transparency and professionalism in its operations.
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