In a shocking turn of events, the Nigerian authorities have replaced all staff at Okere Prison in Delta State following revelations that inmates were involved in an armed robbery operation in Benin City, Edo State.
The operation, which occurred on January 3, 2025, saw armed assailants attack a young man, stealing valuable items and transferring N4 million to an online bank account.
Despite the severity of the crime, initial investigations by the Edo State Police Command were slow, prompting further probes into the incident. A breakthrough came when the bank account used for the transaction led investigators to the Udu area of Delta State.
There, they apprehended a woman who had been unknowingly used by her boyfriend, who instructed her to open the account. She had withdrawn and transferred large sums of money as part of the scheme.
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Upon further investigation, authorities traced the crime back to Okere Prison, where several inmates, including one on death row, were allegedly aided by corrupt prison officials. These officials were accused of accepting bribes to allow the inmates to leave the facility for criminal activities before returning unnoticed.
Corruption and Complicity at the Heart of the Scandal
The investigation revealed that corrupt prison staff had facilitated the movement of inmates, allowing them to leave the prison to carry out robberies, kidnappings, and other criminal activities.
Engr. Udoka Emmanuel Chika-Dibie, Executive Assistant (Security) to the Delta State Governor, confirmed the involvement of corrupt officials and stated that the inmates, including the one on death row, had orchestrated the robbery, with their movements facilitated by these officials.
In response to pressure from the investigation, prison officials were replaced, but only one of the suspects was handed over to the police. Authorities, however, faced resistance from prison staff, who allegedly refused to release the remaining three suspects involved in the robbery.
Public Outrage and Calls for Reform
The case has sparked outrage across Nigeria, with many calling for urgent reforms within the prison system. Comrade Israel Joe, a public affairs analyst, condemned the actions of the prison authorities and warned of mass protests if the remaining suspects are not handed over for further investigation.
Joe stated, “This shows high complicity and compromise from their end. They definitely know what is going on, and we shall not allow this to slide. If the authorities fail to act, we will mobilise and protest at Okere Prison to demand justice.”
The shocking revelations have raised serious concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s prison system and its involvement in criminal activities outside prison walls. Public outcry continues to grow, with widespread calls for a full-scale investigation into the corrupt officials enabling inmates to engage in criminal activities.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, the Delta State Police Command has not issued an official statement on the case. The ongoing investigation has prompted urgent calls for a crackdown on corruption within Nigeria’s prison system and the swift prosecution of those involved in the scandal.
The case highlights the need for systemic reforms to prevent the involvement of prison inmates in criminal activities outside the walls of the facility.