Whistleblower officer sacked after exposing prison sex scandal

DDM News

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the dismissal of one of its officers over what it described as the “unauthorised” sharing of inmate photographs.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Efe Onakpoya, was removed from service following revelations he made about alleged misconduct at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.

Onakpoya was reportedly sacked after exposing how another officer, Ogbule Samuel Obinna, allegedly took an inmate out of custody for an illegal conjugal visit.

The inmate, identified as Ibuchi Okoro Eze, was allegedly escorted outside the facility for a meeting with his girlfriend, an act prohibited under custodial guidelines.

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board had earlier taken disciplinary action following Sahara Reporters’ exclusive investigation into the matter.

In response, the Correctional Service released a statement on Sunday through its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, confirming the dismissal.

According to the statement, the dismissal followed an internal investigation which cleared Officer Obinna of any wrongdoing.

However, the Service claimed that Onakpoya was found guilty of professional misconduct, including the unauthorised distribution of inmate photographs and online publication of sensitive information.

The statement claimed that no credible evidence was found linking Officer Obinna to any act of misconduct involving the inmate.

The NCoS accused Onakpoya of publishing false and damaging allegations that undermined the reputation of the Service.

Authorities described Onakpoya’s action as unethical and said his dismissal was a reflection of the Service’s zero-tolerance policy on internal breaches.

The Correctional Service emphasized that its internal review involved a comprehensive analysis of facts and witness testimonies.

However, critics argue that the NCoS failed to make its investigative process public, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

Supporters of Onakpoya allege that his dismissal amounts to retaliation for whistleblowing and an attempt to silence exposure of internal corruption.

Observers say this is not the first time Nigerian correctional personnel have faced sanctions for speaking out against internal malpractices.

Human rights groups have called on the National Assembly and prison oversight bodies to independently investigate the incident.

They argue that punishing whistleblowers while shielding alleged offenders undermines reform and transparency in Nigeria’s prison system.

Some legal experts have also questioned the Service’s interpretation of “unauthorised photography,” especially in cases that highlight potential rights violations.

As of press time, Onakpoya had not released a personal statement on the dismissal.

However, calls are growing for his reinstatement and protection under whistleblower laws that are supposed to shield individuals who report corruption and abuse.

The incident has reignited public discourse on the treatment of ethical officers in Nigeria’s correctional system.

Many believe the government must do more to protect truth-tellers and clean up internal rot within custodial institutions across the country.

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