A major scandal is unfolding at the Potiskum Correctional Centre as an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, Yobe Command, Sani Saleh-Bodejo, has been accused of raping and impregnating an inmate, Blessing Sunday.
Daily Nigerian learnt that Mr. Bodejo, an Assistant Superintendent of Correctional Services (ASC II), allegedly committed the assault with the assistance of a female officer assigned to guard the women’s unit.
The same officer, who serves as the yardmaster, is also accused of raping another convicted inmate identified as Salma. Medical reports reportedly confirmed that Ms. Sunday’s pregnancy is now 27 weeks.
Despite this, insiders say some senior officials are attempting to conceal the incident and are even pushing for the termination of the pregnancy, despite serious health risks.
Sources revealed that the matter was escalated to the Controller-General of Corrections through ACG Zone R, Adamu Yahaya. The Potiskum controller had officially notified Mr. Yahaya earlier in September, shortly after the case leaked to the zonal office.
At that time, Blessing Sunday was said to be about 3 months and 2 weeks pregnant. Another insider disclosed that a secret meeting was convened by the officer in-charge, Ibrahim Tafida, involving the father of Blessing Sunday, allegedly in a bid to suppress the case.
The implicated officers were reportedly transferred to new postings as part of the cover-up effort—ASC II Bodejo was deployed to a non-custodial centre in Jakusko, while IC Shaba Auta was reassigned to the state headquarters.
When contacted, Yobe State Controller of NCoS, Abdullahi Ibrahim, denied any knowledge of the allegations and immediately ended the call. ACG Zone R, Adamu Yahaya, also declined comment. However, the Yobe Command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Adamu, said he would look into the matter and provide feedback.
