The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has had 15 employees fired and 59 others demoted by the Federal Government for a variety of misbehaviors and lack of discipline.
Umar Abubakar, the NCoS’s public relations officer, reportedly made this announcement in a statement after the Ministry of Interior’s Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) completed a thorough review.
Following the conclusion of investigations into 224 cases involving correctional officials nationally by the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC), disciplinary measures were implemented, the statement said.
After a careful analysis, the Board authorized a number of disciplinary actions in keeping with its mission to enforce discipline and protect the Service’s integrity, Abubakar said.
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According to Abubakar, depending on how serious each case was, the penalties might vary from written warnings to complete dismissals.
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Furthermore, he stated that 42 employees received written warning letters as a corrective action and that 59 police had their ranks lowered due to verified violations of professional standards.
“16 officers were exonerated after being found not guilty of the charges against them,” he continued. Seven other people are still on suspension while their cases are still being looked at.
An official has been referred for prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in one especially serious case.
Given the seriousness of the offense, “in one instance, an officer was suspended from duty and recommended for handover to the EFCC for prosecution,” Abubakar continued.
As part of the disciplinary actions, eight officers were forced to retire, and one officer had their rank reversed. They were also told to return all money they had earned while they were in the wrong post.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunde Ojo, the Minister of Interior and the chair of the CDCFIB, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to establishing a professional and disciplined culture within the penitentiary system.
Nigerians were reassured by Sylvester Nwacuhe, the Controller General of Corrections, in response to the disciplinary actions that all consequences would be applied equitably and rigorously in compliance with current laws.
Additionally, he urged the public to assist the Service in its ongoing internal changes aimed at enhancing public confidence and accountability.
Additionally, the statement stated that “disciplinary actions will continue to be handled fairly and in strict compliance with existing rules and procedures.”
