Investigation Raises Fresh Questions Over Security Breaches in Nigeria’s Correctional Centres
Abeokuta, Ogun State
A fresh investigation has sparked widespread concern over security within Nigeria’s correctional system after a death row inmate was allegedly found operating multiple TikTok livestreams, managing business activities and engaging in online sports betting from inside a maximum-security prison.
The inmate, Elijah Oyebode, is currently on death row at the Ibara Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He was sentenced to death in 2019 after being convicted over the murder of a final-year university student.
According to the investigation, Oyebode allegedly maintained several TikTok accounts and regularly hosted live broadcasts from within the custodial centre using mobile phones believed to have been smuggled into the facility.
During the livestreams, he reportedly interacted freely with viewers, received virtual gifts from followers and remained active on the social media platform despite being held in a maximum-security prison.
The investigation further alleged that the inmate conducted business transactions and participated in online sports betting while in custody, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of security measures within the correctional facility.
The revelations have triggered public outrage, with many Nigerians calling for a comprehensive investigation into how prohibited items, including mobile phones and internet-enabled devices, allegedly found their way into the hands of inmates in a high-security correctional centre.
Security experts have also urged the Nigerian Correctional Service to strengthen surveillance, improve internal oversight and investigate any officials who may have facilitated the alleged breach.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Correctional Service had not issued a comprehensive official statement addressing the specific allegations contained in the investigation.
The development has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of prison regulations and reforms aimed at preventing inmates from accessing unauthorized communication devices capable of compromising the integrity of the country’s correctional system.
IBN NEWS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more official information becomes available.
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