- The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has denied reports that inmate Ayomide Adeleye, who confessed to killing a Lagos State University student, is no longer in custody.
- On January 6, 2025, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Abubakar Umar, issued a statement in Abuja.
- Adeleye, aged 23, is remanded at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos, for alleged kidnapping and murder.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has refuted claims suggesting that Ayomide Adeleye, an awaiting trial inmate who admitted to the murder of a Lagos State University student, is no longer in their custody.
This clarification was provided in a statement by Deputy Controller of Corrections, Abubakar Umar, on Monday, January 6, 2025, in Abuja.
Adeleye, 23 years old, with Custody Number S-1995/24, is currently held at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kirikiri, Lagos, on charges of kidnapping and murder.
He was first remanded on September 26, 2024, following an order from the Ogba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State. Subsequently, on December 16, the same court mandated his continued detention by the NCoS while awaiting guidance from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Recent reports suggested that Adeleye had been released from prison; however, the correctional agency has clarified this misinformation. Umar explained that there is another inmate with a similar name, Ayomide Adeleye, who was admitted to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos, on March 6, 2024, for theft and has since been 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 stated that the other inmate was released from custody on April 14, following a directive from 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.”
