A Nigerian trader has been left reeling after a shocking scheme in which a man serving an 8-year prison sentence swindled her out of nearly 2 million Naira, with the apparent collusion of the prison officials meant to guard him.**
In a story that sounds like a crime movie, Awoyale Adeola, a fabric seller with over 30 years in business, was allegedly defrauded by a prisoner who accessed her WhatsApp sales group from behind bars. The inmate, a man identified as Mr. Ayeni, convinced her to pay him ₦1.9 million for a supply deal, claiming he was frequently "going to court."
The Bizarre Discovery and the Warden's Chilling Reaction
Puzzled by constant delays, Adeola's sister advised her to investigate. In a stunning revelation, she discovered Mr. Ayeni was not a free businessman but had been an inmate at Ibara Prison in Abeokuta for eight years.
When she visited the prison, a warden named Mr. Bello Sanni Ojo reportedly brought the prisoner out to speak with her. Rather than expressing shock, the warden allegedly downplayed her loss, telling her, "Why are you crying? Your money is small na." He allegedly cited a case where someone lost ₦8 million the previous week, asking her, "What's the noise?"
In a surreal confrontation in the warden's presence, the prisoner confessed to taking the money, claiming he used it "for my case." The warden then facilitated a "repayment plan," where the prisoner promised an initial payment of ₦600,000.
A Frustrating Search for Justice
When Adeola returned two weeks later, she was given only ₦200,000. She was allegedly shouted down by the warden, who told her, "This is what is on ground for now!" and was forced to accept the partial sum.
Her quest for justice hit repeated roadblocks:
* The Police: Told her they could not take action as long as the man was in prison.
* A Major Radio Station (Fresh FM): A staff member named Femi reportedly told her they "can never carry the story." She was later introduced to a journalist who declined to help, citing closeness to the Prison PRO, Mr. Owolola Odukoya. When called, the PRO allegedly dismissed it as a "zero case" and told the journalist to "let the woman go."
* The System: She was sent in circles between the police and the prison, with the warden eventually sending her away after the prisoner offered to sell land or a phone.
A Sudden Turnaround After Media Exposure
After sharing her ordeal with Brekete Family, a popular media platform known for advocacy, the situation changed dramatically. The businesswoman reported receiving over 20 calls, including from Fresh FM and the Prison PRO himself. The prison warden has allegedly been calling her to come and collect an additional ₦400,000.
The case raises alarming questions about security, corruption, and access to communication devices within the Nigerian correctional system.
*Source: Stella Dimoko Korkus blog.*
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