The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has concluded its review of “224 disciplinary cases involving officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service.”
Following a thorough review, the board approved various disciplinary measures in line with its commitment to enforcing discipline and upholding the integrity of the Service.
The Public Relations Officer for NCoS, Umar Abubakar, stated this in a statement signed on Thursday.
According to the statement, the disciplinary actions were based on recommendations submitted by the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee, following what the board described as “extensive investigations and due process.”
According to the statement, “A total of 15 personnel were dismissed from the Service for serious misconduct and violation of Service regulations.
“Additionally, 59 officers had their ranks reduced as a result of confirmed breaches of professional standards, while 42 personnel were issued written warning letters as a corrective measure.
“The Board also exonerated 16 personnel who were found not guilty of the allegations made against them, and seven staff members are currently on suspension to ascertain the levels of their involvement in a case under investigation.”
The statement further stated that in a particularly serious case, one officer was not only suspended but also recommended for handover to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for prosecution.
Furthermore, “eight personnel were compulsorily retired from the Service, and 1 officer had his rank reversed with a directive to refund all earnings received while wrongly holding the rank,” the statement added.
Umar noted that the board, under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunde-Ojo, reiterates its commitment to maintaining high ethical and professional standards across all cadres.
While soliciting the cooperation of the general public, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, assures that disciplinary actions will continue to be handled with fairness in strict compliance with extant rules and procedures.
