Officials at the Afikpo Correctional Centre in Ebonyi State have reportedly engaged in an illegal operation to take an inmate out of the facility for a conjugal visit with his girlfriend. The inmate, identified as Ibuchi Okoro Eze, was convicted of rape.
Sources within the facility revealed that Ibuchi was allowed to leave the prison on Saturday, September 14, and was taken to a bar owned by his girlfriend. A photograph obtained by SaharaReporters shows him at the bar during this unauthorized outing.
“A rapist inmate, who still has over a year left on his sentence, was taken outside for a visit,” the insider disclosed. “This incident took place on September 14 at a bar located near Afikpo. This isn’t the first instance of inmates being let out illegally; some even go to clubs and spend the night outside.”
The source further explained that local warders are typically involved in these arrangements to prevent exposure of such activities. “Warders collect bribes from inmates, allowing them to leave whenever they want,” they added.
In Ibuchi’s case, after paying a bribe, he was escorted by junior officers to see his girlfriend. Upon arrival, he requested privacy to engage in sexual activity, which was initially resisted by one officer. However, after contacting a superior, permission was granted with a warning for the officers to ensure his return.
SaharaReporters attempted to reach Umar Abubakar, the spokesman for the Nigerian Correctional Service, but received no response to calls or messages.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has faced ongoing accusations of corruption, extortion, and cover-ups across the country. In 2022, a suspended police chief, Abba Kyari, claimed he had to pay for cable TV for other inmates as protection. Additionally, the son of a former minister reportedly paid around N500,000 to secure better conditions in custody.
Past reports have highlighted instances of inmates orchestrating fraud from inside prison and officials facilitating the smuggling of contraband, including mobile phones and drugs, for a fee. Amnesty International has also noted that access to medical care and welfare services is often contingent on bribing prison staff.
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