The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has refuted claims circulating online about an alleged jailbreak at the Benin Custodial Centre in Edo State, describing the reports as inaccurate and deceptive.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Correction JIN Osuji, said the information, which started making the rounds on January 24, was entirely baseless and did not reflect the true situation at the facility.
The controversial report alleged that three inmates, said to include two convicted fraud offenders, escaped from the Benin Custodial Centre on Friday, January 16, 2026. It further claimed that the third supposed escapee was among individuals arrested during the 2020 #EndSARS protests and was yet to be finally convicted.
Osuji, however, clarified that there was no jailbreak, escape incident, or security lapse at any custodial facility in Benin City or anywhere else in Edo State.
He said, “Comprehensive checks and verifications conducted by the Edo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirm that all inmates are fully accounted for, and custodial operations across the State remain secure, stable, and under effective control.”
The Service faulted the media outlet behind the publication for failing to confirm the claims with either the Edo State Command or the NCoS National Headquarters before releasing what it described as a serious allegation with potential public safety consequences.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to assure the general public, especially residents of Benin City and Edo State, that all custodial facilities in the State are secure, there is no threat whatsoever to public safety arising from any custodial centre, and the Service remains fully committed to its statutory mandate of safe custody, security, and rehabilitation of inmates,” the statement said.
While reiterating its appreciation for the media’s role in national development, the NCoS cautioned that it would take appropriate legal action against individuals or organisations that disseminate false, unverified, or malicious information capable of causing panic, jeopardising national security, or tarnishing the image of the Service.
