Kwara bizwoman loses N1.9m to inmate operating from Abeokuta prison

A Kwara-based fabric dealer, Awoyale Adeola, has raised an alarm after losing N1.9 million to a suspected scammer who allegedly operated freely from Ibara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta, where he has been incarcerated for eight years.

Adeola, who has been in business for over 30 years, recently transitioned to selling fabrics after insecurity made it difficult for her to travel to Onitsha to purchase goods. 

She operated a WhatsApp sales group, connecting suppliers with buyers.

According to her, the ordeal began after a man identified as Mr. Ayeni infiltrated her WhatsApp customer group, posed as a supplier, and convinced her to pay N1.9 million for fabrics expected to arrive within five days. 

After receiving the money, he allegedly began making excuses, claiming he was attending court sessions for an ongoing case.

Confused by the strange responses, Awoyale Adeola contacted her sister, who advised her to call the man again. 

During the next call, Ayeni allegedly told her he had been remanded in prison. Shocked, the businesswoman travelled to Abeokuta to verify the claim.

Prison visit reveals shocking truth to Awoyale Adeola

Upon arriving at Ibara Prison, Adeola was stunned when officers brought Ayeni out to meet her. Prison officials reportedly confirmed that he had been incarcerated for eight years.

Seeking intervention, she met the Officer-in-Charge, Bello Sanni Ojo, narrating how she had been duped. 

However, she claims the warden dismissed her distress, telling her she was complaining over a “small amount,” adding that another visitor recently lost N8 million to a similar scam.

Adeola said the warden summoned the inmate, who openly admitted collecting N1.9 million and claimed he used the money to fund his court case. When asked how he intended to repay the debt, the inmate allegedly promised to refund N600,000 first and complete payment within two weeks.

Two weeks later, Adeola said she received only N200,000, not the agreed N600,000. When she protested, she claimed the warden shouted at her, telling her to take “what is available.”

Police, Media, and prison PRO accused of indifference

Distraught, Adeola went to a nearby shop where a woman advised her to report the matter to the police.

But at the police station, officers allegedly told her that since the suspect was already in prison, they had limited powers to act. 

One officer reportedly referred her to Fresh FM, even offering to support her if the radio station required payment to air her story.

At Fresh FM, she said she was told they could not broadcast her case unless she called during a live programme. She was later referred to a journalist who contacted the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Ogun Command, Owolola Odukoya. 

Adeola, who was sitting beside the journalist during the call, alleges that the PRO dismissed her complaint as “a zero case” and said it did not concern him.

She later returned to the police station but was again told to go back to the prison to ask when the inmate would pay more money. During the second visit, the inmate allegedly claimed he had no money but could sell land or a phone worth N800,000. Adeola said the warden became hostile and sent her away.

Public attention forces a turnaround

The matter gained traction after Adeola took her complaint to the Brekete Family Human Rights Programme, where she detailed her experience on air. 

She said that since the broadcast, the prison warden has been calling her repeatedly, asking her to return to the prison to collect N400,000.

According to her, she received more than 20 missed calls shortly after stepping out of the Brekete studio.

She said the Prison PRO and Fresh FM staff also called her repeatedly.

When contacted live on the programme, PRO Owolola Odukoya reportedly shifted the narrative, claiming he had never met the woman and was unaware of her case. The prison warden also denied all allegations when reached by phone.

The Office of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has now been notified, and the matter has been referred for further investigation.

Authorities have yet to issue an official public statement.

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