Automated Passport System Exposes Convict Processing Travel Docs, NCoS Suspends Operatives

By Ayodele Oni

As a first step, the Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS), has suspended two of its operatives after it was discovered that a convicted inmate tried to process an international passport while in custody.

NCoS Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Report has it that a robbery convict, Haruna Ayo, was escorted to a passport office in Lagos for processing of travel documents.

As reported by the  Punch, the incident happened on Wednesday, May 19, 2025, when warders from the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Apapa, moved the inmate to the Nigeria Immigration Service passport office at FESTAC Town under suspicious circumstances.

According to NCoS spokesman, the misconduct was detected through the automated passport application system operated by the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing inter-agency cooperation.

“The Service wishes to clarify that this misconduct was uncovered a fortnight ago through reforms introduced in the NIS, which flagged the irregularity.

“This particularly speaks to inter-agency collaboration and cooperation.

“The implicated officers were suspended by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of disciplinary measures.”

The NCoS spokesman quoted the Controller General of Corrections, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, as reaffirming the Service’s commitment to discipline, transparency and professionalism across all custodial facilities nationwide.

According to him, the Service is committed to its core mandates of secure custody, humane treatment and the reformation of inmates in line with international standards.

“The Service categorically states that any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system.”