How Inmate Who Was Sentenced To Death By Hanging Ran TikTok Live Shows, Earned Money Online From Prison

Newslens NG reports that a shocking investigation has revealed that a death-row inmate at the Ibara Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, allegedly operated multiple TikTok accounts, hosted livestreams and received monetary gifts from supporters while serving a death sentence.

The inmate, identified as Elijah Oyebode, was sentenced to death by hanging in 2019 by the Osun State High Court for the murder of Rofiat Adebisi, a final-year student of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), who was killed in December 2016.

According to an investigation by Premium Times, Oyebode allegedly had unrestricted access to smartphones and internet services within the correctional facility, enabling him to maintain an active presence on TikTok, where he interacted with thousands of users, participated in livestreams and received virtual gifts convertible to cash.

The report stated that one of his TikTok accounts reportedly attained Level 20 gifting status, an indication of significant financial transactions on the platform.

The investigation also alleged that Oyebode operated a second TikTok account impersonating a popular content creator, Omolola Awoyele, before later changing the profile after being confronted.
During one of his livestreams, the inmate reportedly claimed that several prisoners possessed mobile phones and alleged that some corrupt officials aided the smuggling of prohibited items, including phones and drugs, into the custodial centre. These allegations have not been independently verified.

Reacting to the revelations, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) acknowledged that compromised personnel could be responsible for the smuggling of prohibited items into correctional facilities but stressed that concrete evidence would be required to identify and prosecute anyone involved.
The NCS spokesperson, Jane Osuji, warned that any officer found aiding such illegal activities would face disciplinary measures, while urging members of the public not to provide financial support to inmates through social media platforms. She also noted that the law prescribes penalties of up to ₦3 million in fines or three years’ imprisonment for smuggling prohibited items into custodial centres.

The development has sparked widespread concern over security within Nigeria’s correctional facilities and renewed calls for stricter surveillance, improved oversight and tougher measures to prevent inmates from accessing digital devices while in custody.