Nwakuche becomes new Correctional Service Controller-General amid jailbreak concerns

The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche as the substantive Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

This confirmation comes on the heels of a recent surge in jailbreaks, including the escape of 12 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State.

Nwakuche’s appointment was initially made in an acting capacity by President Bola Tinubu on December 13, 2024, replacing Haliru Nababa.

The Senate’s approval followed a review by the Committee on Interior, led by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North). President Tinubu, in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, cited Section 3(1)(b) of the NCoS Act, 2019, urging swift confirmation.

Following the confirmation, Akpabio charged Nwakuche to address the recurring issue of jailbreaks, stating: “To whom much is given, much is expected. Your appointment must bring an end to these security breaches.” The Senate also mandated its Committee on Interior to investigate the Koton-Karfe jailbreak and submit a report within one week.

Tragically, the Koton-Karfe jailbreak resulted in the death of Senior Correctional Assistant (SCA) Shuaibu King David, who was hailed as a hero for preventing inmates from escaping. Acting Controller-General Nwakuche condoled with the officer’s family and assured that his sacrifice would not be forgotten. The NCoS confirmed that five of the 12 escaped inmates have been recaptured, with security agencies intensifying efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives.

The NCoS has pledged to reinforce security across custodial centers nationwide, stating: “We remain committed to the safety of our personnel and the integrity of our facilities.” Nwakuche’s leadership will be crucial in preventing future jailbreaks and restoring public confidence in the correctional system.

The NCoS leadership roll call

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has a rich history of leadership, with 20 heads at its helm from its inception to date.

According to findings made by Diaspora Digital Media, the first seven Directors of Prisons were British.

Directors of Prisons (British)
1. C. W. Duncan (29/10/1920 – 01/11/1921)
2. Lt Col. E. L. Salier (02/11/1921 – 30/03/1925)
3. F. W. Garvey (31/03/1925 – 18/05/1932)
4. Col. V. L. Mabb (19/05/1932 – 03/07/1946)
5. R. H. Dolan (04/07/1946 – 29/03/1954)
6. M. C. M. K. Carew (30/03/1954 – 09/01/1961)
7. W. G. Francis (10/01/1961 – 30/04/1961)

Directors of Prisons (Nigerian)
1. Chief F. S. G. Osagie (03/10/1961 – 30/04/1972)
2. J. I. Adapoyi (01/05/1972 – 12/09/1975)
3. A. A. Ahmadu (21/10/1975 – 14/01/1986)
4. Musa A. Egu (20/01/1986 – 31/05/1990)
5. J. O. Lily Ojo (01/06/1990 – 30/09/1992)

Controllers-General of Prisons
1. J. O. Lily Ojo (01/10/1992 – 16/01/1995)
2. G. G. Baidu (17/01/1995 – 29/02/1996)
3. I. M. Jarma (01/03/1996 – 31/07/2002)
4. A. I. Akpan (23/08/2002 – 15/02/2006)
5. A. O. U. Kalu (Acting) (16/02/2006 – 29/06/2006)
6. O. A. Ogundipe, mni, OFR (30/06/2006 – 31/12/2011)
7. Zakari Ibrahim, mni, MFR (01/01/2012 – 21/07/2014)
8. Peter E. Ekpendu, Ph.D, mni (05/12/2014 – 17/05/2016)
9. Ja’afaru Ahmed (17/05/2016 – 2019)

Controllers-General of Corrections
1. Ja’afaru Ahmed (17/05/2016 – 21/01/2021)
2. John Mrabure (Acting) (21/01/2021 – 10/05/2021)
3. Haliru Nababa, mni (10/05/2021 – 15/12/2024)
4. Sylvester Nwakuche MFR, mni (Acting) (15/12/2024)

5. Sylvester Nwakuche MFR, mni (March 23, 2025 – present).

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