NCoS confirms Ayomide Adeleye is in Kirikiri custody

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed that Ayomide Adeleye is in its custody following the directive of a Lagos Magistrate Court.

NCoS in a statement on Monday, by its Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, denied claims suggesting that the inmate, identified by custodial number S-1995/24, was not in its facility, describing the reports as misleading, asserting that Adeleye, a 23-year-old awaiting trial inmate, was remanded at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos State.

Umar stated that Adeleye was remanded on 26 September 2024, by Magistrate Court 13A, Ogba, Lagos, on charges of kidnapping and murder. The inmate was subsequently presented before the same court on 16 December 2024.

The Service reiterated its commitment to transparency and adherence to judicial orders in handling inmates.

The statement said, “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 from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).

“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, contrary to the information being peddled by the mischievous report.

“To further clarify, there was an inmate with a similar name who 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 4 April 2024 by order of the court on the mentioned date.

“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.”