By our reporter
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed Assistant Superintendent of Corrections, Efe Onakpoya, for allegedly taking unauthorised photographs of an inmate and circulating sensitive material online. However, the incident has triggered public concern over possible retaliation, as the dismissed officer reportedly exposed misconduct within the Service.
According to SaharaReporters, Onakpoya had alleged that a fellow officer at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, unlawfully took an inmate out of custody for a secret conjugal visit — a serious breach of prison protocol. The NCoS denied the claims, stating that its internal investigation found no wrongdoing by the accused officer and that Onakpoya was dismissed strictly for ethical violations.
Critics have raised concerns over the transparency of the investigation and the broader implications for whistleblower protection in Nigeria. Rights advocates are calling for an independent inquiry, warning that internal disciplinary actions without public oversight could discourage future whistleblowers and shield misconduct in public institutions.
