On January 3, 2025, a young man in Benin City became the victim of a violent armed robbery. The assailants not only stole valuable items but also forcefully transferred four million naira (₦4,000,000) to a PalmPay account. This shocking case has uncovered a dangerous network of corrupt prison officials enabling inmates to commit crimes outside correctional facilities.
Victim’s Pursuit of Justice Leads to a Breakthrough
After initially reporting the crime to the Edo State Police Command, the victim saw no progress. However, inspired by CSP Aliyu Shaba’s success in exposing major criminals, he escalated his case to Ekpan Police Station. A geo-analysis of the PalmPay account revealed links to the Udu axis, prompting further investigation.
Key Suspect Confesses: How a Love Scam Unraveled the Case
The police arrested the PalmPay account holder, who shockingly admitted that her boyfriend was the real owner. In her confession, she revealed:
- “I met him online, and we started talking. One thing led to another, and he professed his love. He told me he worked offshore and had several employees. In early January, he claimed his phone fell into the river but that he was expecting money. He asked me to open a PalmPay account for him. Later, a woman came to collect the ATM card. On January 4, I received a ₦4,000,000 alert and was instructed to transfer money to different accounts.”
Warri Correctional Prison: A Crime Hub?
Police traced the fraudulent transactions to Warri Correctional Prison. Acting swiftly, the DPO of Ekpan Police Station led a raid on the facility. One of the female suspects identified a key accomplice inside the prison, but officials refused to produce him. Instead, they presented an inmate on death row who was also involved in the crime.
Corrupt Officials Enabling Criminals
Investigations exposed a shocking security breach—prisoners were leaving custody to commit crimes and returning with the help of bribed officials. This discovery raises serious concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s prison system.
Urgent Call for Prison Reforms and Stronger Security
This case highlights the urgent need for prison reforms. Authorities must implement stricter security protocols and hold corrupt officials accountable to prevent inmates from escaping and engaging in crimes.
Authorities must take immediate action to stop this growing trend and restore public trust in the Nigerian justice system.
