Passport Syndicate Exposed: FG Axes Correctional Officers In Corruption Scandal

The Federal Government has suspended two officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) over an attempt to obtain an international passport for an inmate.

This was disclosed on Saturday in a statement issued by the NCoS Public Relations Officer and Deputy Controller of Corrections, Umar Abubakar.

Abubakar described the act as a serious case of misconduct, uncovered through automated passport application processes and broader reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service.

He noted that the discovery was made possible through inter-agency collaboration under the Ministry of Interior.

The incident, which reportedly occurred about two weeks ago, was said to have breached established protocols, rendering it both unacceptable and intolerable.

Abubakar confirmed that disciplinary measures have been taken, including the suspension of the two involved personnel by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, headed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to maintaining discipline, transparency, and professionalism across all correctional facilities in the country.

He emphasized that any officer found guilty of misconduct, corruption, or sabotage would be decisively removed from the system.