Fifteen officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service have been dismissed for various acts of serious misconduct following a disciplinary review conducted by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board.
The board reviewed a total of 224 disciplinary cases involving Correctional Service personnel and approved sanctions ranging from dismissals to demotions and warnings.
“A total of 15 personnel were dismissed from the Service for serious misconduct and violation of Service regulations,” said Umar Abubakar, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, in a statement issued on Thursday.
The disciplinary actions followed recommendations by the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee, which claimed it carried out “extensive investigations and due process.”
Aside from the dismissals, “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 statement said.
It added that 16 personnel were cleared of wrongdoing, while seven others remain on suspension pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
In one of the more serious cases, an officer was suspended and recommended for handover to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.
The board also approved the compulsory retirement of eight officers and reversed the rank of one officer, with an order to refund salaries received during the period he held the position.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, said disciplinary actions would continue “in strict compliance with extant rules and procedures,” while urging the public to cooperate with the Service.
