Police Arrests Warri Inmates Linked to Robbery

Police in Delta State have arrested inmates from the Okere Prison in Warri for their involvement in a robbery incidence in Benin City, Edo State, on January 3, 2025.

The armed robbers, who targeted a young man during the robbery, stole valuable items and transferred N4 million to an online bank account.

The victim initially reported the crime to the Edo State Police Command, but progress in identifying the culprits was slow. However, a breakthrough came when the victim conducted a geo-analysis of the bank account used in the transaction, leading investigators to the Udu axis in Delta State.

According to reports, the account holder, a woman, was arrested during questioning. She revealed that her boyfriend, whom she had met online, had instructed her to open the account after claiming his phone had fallen into a river. The suspect also asked her to withdraw and transfer large sums of money to various accounts, unaware that the funds were linked to the robbery.

ALSO READ: Policeman Kills 17-Year-Old in Delta State

Further investigation led the police to the Warri Correctional Facility, where several inmates were identified as being involved in the crime. The police were met with resistance from prison officials, who initially refused to produce the suspects. However, they managed to apprehend one inmate, a death row prisoner, who confirmed his participation in the robbery.

Engr. Udoka Chika-dibie, the Executive Assistant (Security) to the Delta State Governor, confirmed the incident. He suggested that corrupt prison officials had been accepting bribes to allow inmates to leave the prison for criminal activities and return undetected.

Chika-dibie stated, “Inmates were able to leave the prison, carry out a robbery in Benin, and return to continue their sentences without suspicion, due to the collusion of prison staff.”

Human rights activist Israel Joe further confirmed the involvement of Okere Prison inmates in the robbery operation, highlighting the growing concerns over corruption within Nigeria’s correctional system.

In a statement, Joe expressed frustration at the apparent corruption within the prison system.

The robbery victim, Areola Abraham, shared his ordeal, explaining that he was attacked by the assailants who demanded money and valuables. He described being forced to kneel and prostrate while being verbally and physically assaulted.

The case has sparked public outrage, with calls for immediate reforms in the correctional system.

The State Police authority is yet to release a statement.