The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has denied reports claiming that Ayomide Adeleye, a self-confessed killer of a Lagos State University (LASU) student, is no longer in custody.
A statement issued by the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Abubakar Umar, on January 6, 2025, in Abuja, clarified that the reports were false.
Adeleye, 23, with Custody Number S-1995/24, is being held at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kirikiri, Lagos, on charges of kidnapping and murder. He was first remanded on September 26, 2024, by the Ogba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, and on December 16, the same court ordered his continued detention at the NCoS pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Recent reports suggested that Adeleye had been released from custody, but Umar refuted these claims, stating that another inmate named Ayomide Adeleye, with a similar name, had been admitted to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri on March 6, 2024, for an alleged theft case and later discharged.
“To clarify, the inmate in question, aged 23, with Custody Number S-1995/24, is still remanded at the MSCC Kirikiri for charges of kidnapping and murder, as ordered by the court on September 26, 2024,” Umar explained. “He was produced in court on December 16, 2024, and remains in custody as per the court’s directive.”
Umar further stated that the other inmate, who had a similar name, was discharged and released on April 14, 2024, by the court.
He emphasized that the report was misleading and damaging to the reputation of the Correctional Service, urging media outlets to verify their information before publishing. “The public should disregard this false report, as it appears to be the work of individuals who failed to do proper due diligence,” Umar added.
The Acting Controller General of Corrections (Ag. CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, assured that the NCS is committed to ensuring the safe and humane custody of all inmates, as well as their reform, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into society.
