A storm of controversy has erupted following allegations that prison officials in Delta State released inmates to participate in robbery operations before returning them to custody.
The Delta State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has denied these claims, despite mounting evidence linking inmates at the Warri Medium Security Custodial Centre (Okere Prison) to a robbery in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with security experts and concerned citizens questioning the integrity of the correctional system.
The allegations came to light after police investigations traced a robbery that took place on January 3, 2025, to inmates at Okere Prison.
A shocking crime and a breakthrough investigation
On the night of the robbery, a young man was attacked by armed assailants who stole his valuables and transferred ₦4 million to an online bank account. The Edo State Police Command initially, struggled to make progress in identifying the perpetrators until forensic analysis of the bank account led them to a woman in Udu, Delta State.
The woman upon arrest, claimed she was unaware of the crime. She revealed that her online boyfriend—who allegedly instructed her to open the account—told her his phone had fallen into a river. Following his instructions, she withdrew and transferred large sums of money without questioning the source.
Further investigation revealed a shocking twist: the masterminds of the robbery were inmates inside Okere Prison. When police confronted prison officials, they reportedly met resistance, with officers initially refusing to produce the suspects.
Confessions and allegations of corruption
Despite the stand-off, police managed to apprehend one suspect—an inmate on death row—who allegedly confessed to participating in the robbery. According to the Executive Assistant (Security) to the Delta State governor, Udoka Chika-Dibie, corrupt correctional officers facilitated the movement of inmates outside prison walls in exchange for bribes.
“Inmates left prison custody, traveled to Benin City, robbed a victim, and returned to prison as if nothing happened,” Chika-Dibie said. “The robbery was orchestrated by prisoners who had the backing of corrupt officials.”
A police source revealed that out of the four-man prison gang involved in the robbery, only one was initially handed over to the police.
“We refused to be intimidated by prison officials. This morning, under pressure, they called the police to arrest the other three suspects inside the prison,” the source disclosed.
However, the situation took another turn when authorities allegedly transferred all prison staff at Okere Facility, replacing them with new personnel. The new officials reportedly refused to release the remaining three suspects for police investigation.
NCoS denies allegations, calls for responsible journalism
In response to the growing scandal, the Delta State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service dismissed the allegations as “false and malicious.” In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Allen Iloba, the service accused social media platforms of spreading unverified claims.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no inmate on death row under any guise is allowed to get close to the gate lodge, much less go out for a robbery operation,” the statement read.
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Iloba further described the report as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the correctional service and incite public panic. He urged journalists to verify information before publishing, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to inmate rehabilitation and justice.
Government orders urgent investigation
Amid the public outcry, the federal government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the allegations. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, issued a strong statement, condemning any criminal activities within correctional facilities.
“I will not allow indiscipline to fester under my nose. Any officer found wanting will face the full weight of the law,” Tunji-Ojo warned. He emphasized his commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s correctional system.
The minister also urged the public to provide any information that could aid the investigation.
Calls for reform grow louder
The revelations have reignited calls for urgent reforms within Nigeria’s correctional system. Security analysts argue that corruption within prisons has long been an open secret, with criminal networks operating from behind bars.
“If confirmed, this is not just a case of corruption—it is a national security threat,” said security expert Dr. Abdulrahman Aliyu. “It means criminals serving time for heinous crimes can still unleash terror on innocent citizens.”
Public confidence in the prison system is now at an all-time low. Many are demanding a top-to-bottom overhaul of the correctional service, tighter security protocols, and an independent probe to hold any complicit officers accountable.
As investigations unfold, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the deep-seated issues within the nation’s justice system. Will this controversy lead to real reforms, or will it fade into yet another unsolved scandal? Only time will tell.