By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
The Federal Government (FG) has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged involvement of inmates at the Okere Custodial Centre in Warri, Delta State, in a recent robbery in Benin City, Edo State.
Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, directed the probe on Tuesday, condemning the alleged behavior and emphasizing that any form of indiscipline and misconduct will be met with severe consequences.
According to reports, a 4-man gang of inmates at the Okere Custodial Centre were involved in the robbery, which occurred on January 3, 2025.
The inmates allegedly stole valuable items and transferred N4 million to an online bank account. Investigators traced the transaction to the Udu area of Delta State, where they arrested the account holder, a woman who claimed she was unaware of the crime ¹.
The Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Alao, stated that the investigation will be comprehensive and immediate, aiming to uncover the truth behind the allegations. The Federal Government has vowed to take decisive action against any officials found to be involved in or negligent in their duties ¹.
This development comes as the Nigerian government continues to grapple with issues of corruption and insecurity within its correctional facilities.
The Okere Custodial Centre has been in the news recently, with the Delta State Chief Judge, Theresa Diai, releasing four awaiting trial inmates in an effort to decongest the prison.
