The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has dismissed reports alleging that an awaiting trial inmate, Ayomide Adeleye, who confessed to killing a Lagos State University student, was no longer in custody.
This was contained in a statement issued by Deputy Controller of Corrections, Abubakar Umar on Monday, January 6, 2025 in Abuja.
Adeleye aged 23, with Custody Number S-1995/24, was remanded at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri, Lagos, for alleged kidnapping and murder.
He was initially remanded on Sept. 26, 2024, on the order of the Ogba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State and on Dec.16, the same court ordered his continued remand in the custody of the NCoS pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
A report emerged recently that Adeleye is no longer in prison, but the correctional agency has come out to dispel it. Umar said that there was another inmate with a similar name, Ayomide Adeleye, who was admitted at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, on March 6, 2024, for alleged theft and later discharged.
“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 (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos, for offence of kidnapping and murder on Sept. 26, 2024.” Abubakar Umar said.
“This was done by Magistrates ‘ Court 13A, Ogba, Lagos state, and he was produced to same court on Dec. 16 2024.
“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,”he said.
Umar explained that the other inmate was discharged and released on April, 14, on the order of the court.
“It is clear that the report was aimed at misleading the general public and bringing the image of the Service into disrepute. Media reporters are advised to confirm their information from appropriate quarters before going to press to avoid disseminating falsehood to the public.
“The Service wishes to request the general public to disregard the said report as it is written by armchair reporters who could have done due diligence by confirming their information before publication.
“The Acting Controller General of Corrections (Ag. CGC) Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche MFR, mni, therefore assures that the Service is working tirelessly to ensure the safe and humane custody of all legally interned persons while ensuring they are properly reformed, rehabilitated, and resettled back into their various communities.”
