The Yobe State command of Nigeria’s Correctional Service is under scrutiny after a female inmate, Blessing Sunday, claimed she was sexually assaulted by Assistant Superintendent of Corrections II Sani Saleh‑Bodejo at Potiskum prison, an incident that reportedly resulted in a pregnancy now estimated at roughly twenty‑seven weeks.
According to the complaint, the officer, who oversees the prison yard, entered the women’s wing after hours and forced himself on the detainee.
Sources within the facility allege that senior officials, including State Controller Abdullah Ibrahim and Officer‑in‑Charge ACC Ibrahim Tafida, attempted to conceal the matter. They purportedly arranged for Bodejo to be reassigned to a non‑custodial post in Jakusko and discussed the possibility of terminating the pregnancy despite medical concerns.
The allegations further claim that the matter was first brought to the attention of the Controller‑General of Corrections through the zonal office of the Assistant Controller‑General, Adamu Yahaya, after the incident was leaked in September.When approached for comment, State Controller Abdullah Ibrahim denied any knowledge of the alleged assault, while ACG Yahaya declined to speak.
Yobe Command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Adamu, said the allegations would be investigated and that a formal response would be issued later. The victim’s father was reportedly invited to a meeting that aimed to “sweep the case under the carpet,” suggesting an effort to downplay the incident.
The accusations do not stop with Blessing Sunday; another inmate named Salma has also accused the same officer of rape. These reports have sparked widespread calls for a comprehensive inquiry into the conduct of the officers involved and for greater accountability within the correctional system.
