A deepening cover-up at Potiskum prison has triggered widespread concern after allegations emerged that a Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, officer in Yobe State, Sani Saleh-Bodejo, impregnated an inmate, Blessing Sunday. The case, which insiders say is being deliberately concealed, raises serious questions about abuse of authority and inmate protection within the correctional facility.
Officer Allegedly Impregnates Inmate with Help of Female Staff
Findings by Naijanewz indicate that ASC II Sani Saleh-Bodejo allegedly carried out the assault with support from a female officer responsible for guarding the women’s section. In addition to Ms Sunday, the yardmaster is also accused of sexually violating another female inmate identified as Salma, who is serving a conviction at the centre.
Medical experts who examined Ms Sunday reportedly confirmed that her pregnancy is already 27 weeks old, indicating that the violation took place months earlier. Despite this, high-ranking officials within the command are allegedly trying to suppress the scandal.
Attempts to Conceal the Incident and Terminate Pregnancy
Insider sources disclosed that some senior officers have shown interest in aborting the pregnancy as part of a larger effort to hide the misconduct, even though such action could endanger the inmate’s life. Several officers have allegedly taken steps to ensure the situation does not become public knowledge.
Matter Reported to Higher Authorities Despite Resistance
According to reliable sources, the situation reached the Controller-General of Corrections through ACG Zone R, Adamu Yahaya. The zonal command was notified in September after internal discussions about the developing scandal leaked.
At the time the report was officially submitted, Ms Sunday was said to be about three months and two weeks pregnant. One insider said the case gained further attention only when ACG Yahaya visited the facility for unrelated duties and was briefed about the matter.
Zonal Command Recommends Disciplinary Measures
Following the briefing, the zonal command reportedly recommended disciplinary actions against officers allegedly involved in both the misconduct and the cover-up at Potiskum prison. Those implicated include:
State Controller, Abdullah Ibrahim
Officer-in-Charge of Potiskum Prison, ACC Ibrahim Tafida
ASC II Sani Saleh-Bodejo (accused officer)
IC Shaba Auta, later moved to the state controller’s office
The housekeeper
The yardmaster
Sources said a meeting was arranged by the Officer-in-Charge, Ibrahim Tafida, involving the father of Blessing Sunday. The goal was allegedly to suppress the scandal by resolving it quietly.
Strategic Transfers Used to Hide the Scandal
Some officers named in the scandal were reportedly reassigned in a move seen as an attempt to bury the issue. ASC II Saleh-Bodejo was allegedly transferred to a non-custodial centre in Jakusko, Yobe State, while IC Shaba Auta was moved to the state controller’s office. Insiders believe these transfers were deliberately executed to avoid accountability rather than address the wrongdoing.
Officials Decline Comment as Pressure Grows
When contacted, Abdullahi Ibrahim, the State Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, denied knowledge of the case and promptly ended the call. ACG Zone R, Adamu Yahaya, also declined to comment on the unfolding scandal.
However, Abdullahi Adamu, the spokesman for the Yobe Command, stated that he would investigate the situation and provide feedback later.
Public Outcry Builds as Scandal Exposes Systemic Issues
The allegations and the alleged cover-up at Potiskum prison have triggered growing concern among rights advocates, who say the case highlights deep-rooted issues within Nigeria’s correctional system. Many are calling for immediate and transparent investigations to protect inmates and ensure accountability among correctional officers.