The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has removed the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, along with two other principal officers, following the unauthorised use of a mobile phone by a death row inmate who appeared in a viral TikTok live stream. The inmate, Elijah Oyebode, was sentenced to death by hanging in 2019 after an Osun State High Court convicted him of murdering Rofiat Adebisi, a final-year student of Osun State University.
Background of the Case
According to court records, Oyebode gave conflicting accounts of the crime before denying involvement during trial. The court found him guilty based on medical and other evidence. Despite being on death row, Oyebode allegedly maintained an active presence on TikTok. One account reportedly reached Level 20 gifting status, allowing him to receive monetary gifts during livestreams. Investigators also linked him to another account allegedly created to impersonate TikTok creator and activist.
Official Statement and Actions
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, JN Osuji, the prison service said the incident constituted a serious breach of custodial security and violated existing regulations guiding correctional operations. According to the statement, preliminary investigations confirmed that the inmate unlawfully possessed a prohibited mobile device, which he used to access social media while in custody. The NCoS said the device had been recovered during a search operation and secured as an exhibit as part of the ongoing investigation.
Transfer and Disciplinary Measures
It added that the inmate had been transferred to another custodial facility where he is being held under enhanced security pending the conclusion of investigations. The Service said the Officer-in-Charge of the custodial centre, alongside two other principal officers, had been removed pending the outcome of the investigation. “Anyone found to have facilitated, aided, condoned or failed in their responsibilities in connection with this incident will face appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions in accordance with extant regulations,” the statement said.
