Ebonyi Prison Officials Under Fire for Allegedly Smuggling Convicted Rapist Out for Conjugal Visit at Girlfriend’s Bar

Officials at the Afikpo Correctional Centre in Ebonyi State are facing serious allegations after reportedly sneaking a convicted rapist out of the facility for an illegal conjugal visit with his girlfriend, according to Sahara Reporters.

The inmate, identified as Ibuchi Okoro Eze, is serving time for rape and still has more than a year left on his sentence. Despite this, on Saturday, September 14, he was allegedly escorted out of the correctional facility by prison officers and taken to a bar managed by his girlfriend, where the two were allowed to meet privately.

A source within the prison facility revealed that this incident is not an isolated case, claiming that similar actions have occurred before. “This inmate, a convicted rapist, was taken outside the prison for a conjugal visit. This kind of illegal activity has happened multiple times, where inmates are allowed to leave the facility in exchange for bribes,” the source said.

The source added that some inmates are even granted the freedom to visit clubs and spend the night outside the facility. These privileges, according to the source, are granted to inmates who can pay correctional officers. “Only trusted officers, mainly locals from Afikpo who have worked in the prison for a long time, are involved to maintain secrecy,” the source explained.

On the day of the incident, Ibuchi was taken to his girlfriend’s bar, located not far from the prison. Once there, he allegedly requested a private room to be alone with her. Although some junior officers objected, Ibuchi contacted a senior officer, who overruled the objections and instructed the officers to allow the visit while ensuring the inmate’s safe return to the facility.

Sahara Reporters obtained photographic evidence of Ibuchi at the bar, further corroborating the claims. Despite attempts to reach the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Umar Abubakar, there has been no official response as of the time of reporting.

This incident sheds light on the persistent issues of corruption and bribery within Nigeria’s correctional system. Reports of prison officials accepting bribes in exchange for special privileges for inmates have long been a source of concern. Wealthy or influential prisoners are often granted illegal perks, such as access to mobile phones, cannabis, and even temporary release from prison.