Nwaimo Ifeanyi, a businessman convicted of murder, is reportedly receiving luxury treatment in a Bayelsa State prison after allegedly bribing top officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service, according to sources. Ifeanyi, sentenced to death for the murder of a client after receiving N42 million from the victim, has supposedly used his wealth to manipulate the system.
The convicted murderer was transferred to the Okaka Custodian Center in Bayelsa State in 2019, following his sentencing by Justice Sunday Aladetoyinbo of an Abuja High Court. On January 31, 2017, the court found him guilty of a six-count charge, including conspiracy to commit culpable homicide. While the second accused was acquitted, Nwaimo was sentenced to death by hanging, and his Chevrolet SUV was ordered to be forfeited to the victim’s family as compensation.
The court heard that on June 22, 2014, a fire broke out at Block 396A, B Close, 36 Road, 3rd Avenue, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja, leading to the death of Mr. Remigius Nzekwe. Nwaimo was arrested and subsequently convicted for the crime.
However, recent reports from within the Bayelsa prison facility allege that Nwaimo has bribed officials to facilitate an escape plan. The scheme reportedly involved obtaining a visa, but the plan hit a snag when it became difficult to secure travel documents for a convicted murderer.
A source within the prison system revealed, “He was initially held at Kuje Custodian Center but was moved to Bayelsa in 2019 after his escape plans became evident. He paid off officials to arrange his escape in February 2023, even traveling to Port Harcourt to secure a visa. They spent the night in a hotel, but the plan stalled due to visa issues.”
The same source mentioned that when the matter was reported to the National Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Abuja, it was quickly covered up by senior officers who were also bribed. “The matter never reached the Controller General’s office, and they are now working on another attempt to complete his visa process,” the source added.
Sources further claim that Nwaimo is allowed to leave the prison under the pretext of medical issues to meet female lovers. “Officials have taken him out to meet women, sometimes under the guise of needing medical attention. He has sex with them in hotels, and on other occasions, the women are brought to the office of a top official for him.”
Another insider said, “He’s well-treated in prison, often leaving in clean clothes with an escort, and you wouldn’t know he’s on death row. His cell is furnished with a TV and mobile phone. His wealth ensures he has direct access to top officials.”
When approached, Bayelsa State Correctional Service spokesperson Gbasi Isari denied the allegations. “It is not possible for an inmate to be outside the correctional center,” he stated, adding, “Though there may be bad eggs among officers, we do not tolerate such conduct. We will investigate this matter.”
Abubakar Umar, the national spokesman for the Nigerian Correctional Service, also claimed ignorance of the situation but promised that his office would investigate.
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