A high-ranking official at the Potiskum Correctional Centre in Yobe State, Nigeria, has been accused of raping and impregnating an inmate, sparking a cover-up controversy. Sani Saleh-Bodejo, an Assistant Superintendent of Correctional Services, allegedly committed the crime with the assistance of a female officer responsible for guarding the female section of the facility.

According to sources, the female officer, who serves as the yardmaster, is also accused of raping another convicted inmate, Salma. The incident reportedly occurred at the correctional centre, where Blessing Sunday, the impregnated inmate, is being held. Medical examinations have confirmed that Ms Sunday is approximately 27 weeks pregnant.

The matter was reported to the Controller-General of Corrections through the Assistant Controller-General, Zone R, Adamu Yahaya, in September. The zonal office has recommended disciplinary action against the erring officers, including Mr Saleh-Bodejo, the State Controller, Abdullah Ibrahim, and the Officer-in-Charge of Potiskum Prison, Ibrahim Tafida.

However, insiders claim that some top officials are attempting to cover up the scandal by aborting the pregnancy, despite the associated health risks. The alleged cover-up plot has been reported to involve the transfer of indicted officers to other locations, including the transfer of Mr Saleh-Bodejo to a non-custodial centre at Jakusko, Yobe State.

When contacted, the State Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Services, Abdullahi Ibrahim, denied knowledge of the incident. The ACG, Zone R, Adamu Yahaya, declined to comment on the matter, while the Yobe Command spokesman, Abdullahi Adamu, promised to investigate the allegations and provide an update.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of inmates within the correctional system in Nigeria. The Nigeria Correctional Service has a responsibility to ensure the protection and rehabilitation of those in its custody, and any allegations of misconduct must be thoroughly investigated and addressed. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken to hold those responsible accountable and prevent similar incidents in the future.