By Juliana Francis
Disturbing allegations have emerged from Ikoyi Prison, where an inmate, Olusegun Abiodun Bolarinwa, claims he was brutally assaulted by warders to silence him over a long-standing financial dispute with the officer-in-charge of Ikoyi Prisons, identified simply as DC Ogunri.
Bolarinwa told the journalist during a phone chat that prison warders attacked him on the instruction of the DC, who allegedly sent the warders to beat him and confiscate his phone.
He claimed the phone contained evidence of his business transaction with DC Ogunri; a N20 million deal in which the officer allegedly bought chicks and feed from him about two years ago and had yet to pay a dime.
The inmate said Ogunri knew he was due to be released this week and feared Bolarinwa would then move to demand the N20 million.
“He collected N20 million worth of chickens and feed from me because I have a farm. Although we met in prison, I had my people supply him with broilers and feed. He has not paid me one naira,” Bolarinwa said, adding that he had video evidence stored on his phone.
Bolarinwa explained that warders began beating him on Tuesday morning, 22nd of September 2026, after realising he was close to release and fearing the evidence on his phone could implicate DC Ogunri.
He alleged that the assault was intended to destroy proof of the transaction and stop him from pursuing justice.
The Nigerian Prison Service, Lagos State Command, Public Relations Officer, Mr Osho Onimsi, has denied the allegations, insisting that inmates are prohibited from using mobile phones and that any disciplinary measures taken are in line with prison regulations.
Onimsi said a preliminary investigation, including interviews with other inmates, showed that Bolarinwa had collapsed while coming out of the toilet and was rushed to hospital.
According to Onimsi, a friend of Bolarinwa’s said the man had been complaining about his blood pressure.
He added: “This happened while a routine check of the rooms was going on. When he collapsed, an ambulance was called, and he was rushed to hospital. The incident occurred during a routine check of all rooms and inmates. He was not targeted, but a contraband phone was found in his room.
“To ensure fairness, I went to the hospital to speak with the inmate. He said warders came to his room and touched his manhood. But when I saw him at the hospital, he was sleeping and did not appear to be in any pain. I suspect his collapse was caused by his blood pressure. I believe a proper medical check would soon be carried out on him to ascertain the cause of his collapse.”
Onimsi did not comment directly on the allegations of financial exploitation involving Mr Ogunri, saying only that further investigation was ongoing.
Human rights advocates argue that the case highlights systemic abuse within Nigeria’s prisons, where inmates are often vulnerable to exploitation and violence.
Calls are mounting for an independent investigation into the incident, with demands that prison authorities be held accountable for both the alleged assault and the alleged financial misconduct.
As Bolarinwa awaits his release, he maintains that his evidence will prove the truth of his claims. “He knows I am going home soon; that’s why they came for my phone,” he said.
