By HeadlineNews Investigative Team
A shocking case of organized crime has exposed a dangerous network of corruption within Nigeria’s prison system, as serving inmates at Warri Correctional Prison were found to have orchestrated and executed a violent robbery in Benin City before returning to their cells with the protection of corrupt prison officials.
The Crime: Robbery and Digital Fraud
On January 3, 2025, a young man in Benin City, Edo State was attacked by armed robbers who stole valuables and forced him to transfer ₦4 million into a PalmPay account under duress.
Seeking justice, the victim initially reported the crime to the Edo State Police Command, but after months with no progress, he turned to Ekpan Police Station, inspired by the remarkable investigative work of CSP Aliyu Shaba in exposing the killers of Paulinus Okon at Otokutu.
Determined to track the funds, the victim conducted geo-analysis of the PalmPay account, which led investigators to Udu, a town near Warri in Delta State.
Breakthrough: Arrest and Confession
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Ekpan Police Station arrested the account holder, a young woman, who made a startling confession.
According to her:
“I met a man online, and we started talking. He claimed to be an offshore worker with many staff under him. He told me his phone had fallen into a river and that he needed a PalmPay account to receive money. I helped him open the account, and later, he sent a lady to collect the ATM card from me. On January 4, I received an alert of ₦4 million. He then sent me several account numbers and instructed me to transfer money in amounts like ₦600,000, ₦1.5 million, and ₦1 million to different people.”
Her confession led the police to conduct advanced financial tracing on the recipient accounts, revealing a shocking link to Warri Correctional Prison.
Police Raid on Warri Correctional Prison
Armed with new evidence, the DPO stormed the prison facility alongside his officers and some arrested suspects. Upon arrival, a key female suspect immediately identified one of the masterminds among the inmates.
However, in a brazen act of obstruction, prison officials refused to produce the suspect, instead presenting only an inmate already on death row, likely as a scapegoat.
Further investigations revealed that the actual criminals had been temporarily released from custody by corrupt prison officials to carry out the robbery in Benin before returning to their cells.
A Dangerous Pattern of Corruption
This case confirms longstanding fears that Nigerian prison facilities have become operational bases for criminal syndicates, where inmates:
Plan and execute crimes using mobile phones.
Use bank accounts controlled by unsuspecting victims or accomplices.
Pay corrupt officials to leave custody for major operations.
A high-ranking security source who spoke anonymously to HeadlineNews.News revealed:
> “Some of these prison officials are making millions by running crime networks. Inmates who can afford it are allowed to leave for armed robberies, kidnappings, and other operations before returning to their cells as if nothing happened.”
Call for Urgent Reforms
This case has sparked public outrage, with demands for immediate reforms in the Nigerian prison system, including:
Enhanced surveillance and security technology to track inmate movements.
Independent prison oversight committees to investigate corruption.
Strict monitoring of correctional officers and severe penalties for those aiding criminal activities.
Stronger financial regulations to prevent fintech platforms from being used for money laundering by prison-based syndicates.
Conclusion: A Broken System Needs Fixing
This shocking incident is not an isolated case but a symptom of a failing correctional system that enables crime instead of preventing it. If serving inmates can still commit violent robberies and fraud, then no Nigerian is truly safe.
The Federal Government, Nigerian Correctional Service, and security agencies must take immediate action to prevent prisons from becoming headquarters for organized crime.
This is a developing story. Stay with HeadlineNews.News for updates.
Continuation…
This case exposes a deeply troubling network of organized crime involving corrupt prison officials and incarcerated criminals who continue orchestrating crimes from behind bars. It highlights the urgent need for prison reforms, stricter security measures, and accountability within correctional facilities.
Key Issues Identified:
1. Corrupt Prison Officials: Evidence suggests that certain officials at Warri Correctional Prison accept bribes to allow inmates to temporarily leave custody for criminal operations.
2. Inmate-Led Crime Syndicates: The fact that serving inmates could organize and execute a robbery in Benin City, return to custody, and continue laundering the stolen funds from prison is alarming.
3. Fraudulent Financial Networks: The use of mobile banking and fintech platforms (such as PalmPay) to move stolen funds shows a sophisticated financial network that requires urgent regulatory attention.
4. Ineffective Policing in Some Areas: The victim initially sought justice through the Edo State Police Command but saw no progress, prompting them to seek assistance from CSP Aliyu Shaba, known for effective investigations.
Critical Developments in the Case:
The victim’s independent geo-analysis led investigators to the Udu axis, where the PalmPay account holder was arrested.
The arrested woman confessed that she was deceived into opening the account for her online boyfriend, who claimed to be an offshore worker.
The forensic financial investigation led police to Warri Correctional Prison, exposing the syndicate’s roots inside the facility.
Despite overwhelming evidence, prison officials obstructed police efforts to produce the prime suspect, offering only an inmate already on death row.
Systemic Reforms Needed:
Enhanced Prison Surveillance & Security: Prisons must implement strict movement control, real-time monitoring systems, and biometric tracking to prevent unauthorized inmate movement.
Crackdown on Corrupt Officials: A full audit of prison staff, lifestyle checks, and anonymous whistleblowing mechanisms must be enforced to identify and prosecute complicit officers.
Digital Financial Oversight: Collaboration between fintech companies, security agencies, and financial regulators to flag suspicious transactions linked to correctional facilities.
Judicial & Legislative Action: Lawmakers must strengthen laws against aiding and abetting crime from prison, with stiffer penalties for compromised officials.
Conclusion:
This case is a wake-up call for Nigeria’s justice system. If inmates serving sentences can still organize violent crimes outside prison walls, then no one is truly safe. Stronger oversight, independent monitoring bodies, and technological advancements in prison management are necessary to stop correctional facilities from becoming criminal headquarters.
Dr. Imran Khasaly
Headlinenews.news