Inmate impregnated by prison officer gives birth in Yobe

An inmate of the Potiskum Correctional Centre in Yobe State, Blessing Sunday—who was allegedly impregnated by a correctional officer, Sani Saleh-Bodejo—has delivered a baby boy.

A source confirmed that the inmate gave birth on Sunday at the Potiskum Specialist Hospital, adding that both mother and child are in stable condition.

The case first came to light in November 2025 when Saleh-Bodejo, an Assistant Superintendent of the Nigerian Correctional Service and yardmaster of the facility, had sexually assaulted and impregnated the inmate with the alleged support of some female staff.

Sources had claimed that the officer gained unauthorized access to the female inmates’ section late at night.

He was also accused of sexually assaulting another convicted inmate, identified as Salma.

Following public outcry, the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed the allegations and suspended Mr Saleh-Bodejo along with other officers connected to the case.

In a statement issued in December, the service’s spokesperson, J. N. Osuji, described their actions as “unprofessional conduct with inmates,” noting that queries and charge sheets had been issued to additional personnel to determine the extent of their involvement.

The suspension was approved by the Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, after reviewing a preliminary investigation report.

The statement stressed the service’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and inappropriate relationships between staff and inmates, warning that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary and possibly legal action.