Nigerian authorities have replaced all staff members at Okere Prison in Delta State following a bombshell exposé by SaharaReporters revealing that inmates were sneaking out to commit armed robbery. Despite the personnel overhaul, new officials have reportedly refused to release three suspects linked to the crime for further investigation.
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Armed Robbery Orchestrated from Prison
SaharaReporters exclusively reported that on January 3, 2025, armed robbers attacked a young man in Benin City, Edo State, stealing valuable items and transferring N4 million to an online bank account. The case, initially handled by the Edo State Police Command, progressed slowly until a geo-analysis traced the account used for the transaction to Udu, Delta State.
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Police arrested the account holder, a woman who claimed she was unaware of the crime. She disclosed that her online boyfriend instructed her to open the account, claiming his phone had fallen into a river. She was later directed to withdraw and transfer large sums of money.
Further investigation exposed a shocking link to inmates at the Warri Correctional Facility (Okere Prison). When police stormed the prison, they faced resistance from officials who initially refused to hand over the suspects. However, authorities successfully arrested one inmate on death row, who confessed to participating in the crime.
Prison Corruption Uncovered
Engr. Udoka Emmanuel Chika-Dibie, Executive Assistant (Security) to the Delta State Governor, confirmed the report, alleging that corrupt prison officials accepted bribes to allow inmates to leave for criminal activities and return unnoticed.
“Inmates left prison custody, travelled to Benin City, robbed a victim, and returned as if nothing happened,” Chika-Dibie stated. “The robbery was orchestrated by prisoners with the backing of corrupt officials who facilitated their movement.”
Authorities Under Pressure
A top police source revealed on Tuesday that only one of the four-man prison gang had been handed over to law enforcement.
“We refused to be intimidated by prison officials. This morning, under pressure, they called the police to come and arrest the remaining three suspects. What kind of country is this?” the source lamented.
Despite efforts by law enforcement, the newly appointed prison staff have reportedly refused to release the remaining suspects.
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“Their boss from Asaba came on Tuesday and changed all the prison staff, replacing them with new personnel. Yet, the new officers are refusing to hand over the three other suspects for further investigation,” the source added.
Public Outrage and Calls for Reform
The revelations have triggered widespread outrage, with growing calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system. Public affairs analyst Comrade Israel Joe condemned the Okere Prison authorities and warned of mass protests if the suspects are not released.
“This shows high complicity and compromise on their part. They know what is happening, and we will not let this slide. If the authorities fail to act, we will mobilise and protest at Okere Prison to demand justice,” Joe stated.
Meanwhile, Delta State Police Command spokesperson Bright Edafe has yet to issue an official statement on the case.
Prison System Under Scrutiny
These shocking revelations have raised serious concerns about Nigeria’s prison system, with many calling for a full-scale investigation and disciplinary actions against corrupt officials aiding criminals.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story