NCoS Refutes Claims of Escape of Murder Suspect, Ayomide Adeleye from Prison Custody
The Nigerian Correctional Service, on Monday, debunked reports alleging that an Awaiting Trial Person, Ayomide Adeleye, is no longer in custody.
The Service clarified that Adeleye, aged 23, with Custody Number S-1995/24, remains in lawful detention at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos.
Adeleye, according to a statement by the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, was remanded on September 26, 2024, by Magistrate Court 13A, Ogba, Lagos State, on charges of kidnapping and murder.
He was last produced in court on December 16, 2024, where the presiding magistrate reaffirmed his remand pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecution.
“A misleading report in some sections of the media concocting that an Awaiting Trial Person, Ayomide Adeleye, is not in prison, has come to the attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
“To set the records straight, the said inmate, aged 23 years with Custody Number: S-1995/24, was remanded at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kiri-Kiri, Lagos, for offence of kidnapping and murder on the 26th September 2024 by Magistrate Court 13A, Ogba, Lagos state, and was produced to the same court on 16 December 2024.
“On the said date he was produced in court, the presiding magistrate ordered that he remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending advice by the Department of Public Prosecution.
“The Service wishes to categorically state that the said inmate is still in the custody of the MSCC Kirikiri, Lagos, as ordered by the court, against the information being peddled by the mischievous report,” the statement read in part.
The Service attributed the confusion to a mix-up involving a different inmate with a similar name.
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The second individual, who had been held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, for theft, was discharged on April 4, 2024, following a court order.
The NCoS criticised the report as misleading and aimed at discrediting the organisation.
It urged media outlets to verify their information from credible sources before publication to avoid spreading falsehoods.
The NCoS clarified, “To further clarify, there was an inmate that has a similar name that was admitted at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos State on 6 March 2024, upon a warrant issued by Magistrate Court 15A Ogba, Lagos state, for the offence of theft. The inmate was discharged on 4th April 2024 by the order of the court on the mentioned date.
“It is clear that the report was targeted at misleading the general public and bringing the image of the Service to disrepute. Media reporters are advised to confirm their information from appropriate quarters before going to press to avoid dishing out falsehood to the public.
“The Service wishes to request the general public to discountenance the said report as it is written by arm-chair reporters who could have done due diligence by confirming their information before publication.”
The Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to the safe custody and humane treatment of all inmates.
He also emphasised ongoing efforts to reform and rehabilitate inmates for reintegration into society.
The NCoS called on the public to disregard the report and trust in its dedication to upholding justice and the rule of law.
“The Acting Controller General of Corrections Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche MFR, mni, therefore assures that the Service is working tirelessly to ensure safe and humane custody of all legally interned persons while ensuring they are properly reformed, rehabilitated and resettled back to their various communities,” he adde
By PRNigeria
