The Nigeria Correctional Service has dismissed one of its officers, ASC Efe Onakpoya, for taking photographs of an inmate and uploading them to the internet without authorization. The incident occurred within the barracks premises of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
The Service’s spokesman, Abubakar Umar, made the disclosure in a statement addressing recent media reports. He said those reports falsely claimed that an inmate had been taken out of the facility for a conjugal visit and that the whistleblower was punished while the officer involved was pardoned by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Board.
Umar described the reports as misleading and an attempt to tarnish the image of the Service. He clarified that Onakpoya was dismissed after a disciplinary investigation found him guilty of misconduct, specifically for photographing an inmate identified as Ibuchi Okoro Eze and uploading the images online.
The dismissed officer also reportedly made unsubstantiated and malicious allegations against the agency, including the claim that an inmate was released for romantic engagement.
The Correctional Service reaffirmed its commitment to upholding discipline, integrity, and professionalism within its ranks. It emphasized that it will not tolerate actions that undermine the values and responsibilities expected of its personnel.
