Delta: Prison Official Accused Of Enabling VIP Treatment For Murder Suspect

Town Union Calls For Deputy Comptroller’s Removal Over Witness Safety Concerns At Ogwashi-Uku Custodial Center

Tensions are rising in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, following serious allegations of misconduct at the Federal Correctional Center in the town, where a senior prison official is accused of providing unauthorized privileges to a high-risk inmate.

In a letter dated June 17 and addressed to the Director General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche MFR, mni, the Ogwashi-Uku Town Union protests what it describes as a gross breach of custodial protocol by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of the facility.

The inmate in question, Francis Oduwanor (aka Obi Francis), is currently standing trial for murder, attempted murder, rape, and armed robbery.

According to the letter, he has been allowed to stay in a private room and granted access to mobile phones and other communication devices, in direct violation of standard prison procedures.

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“These privileges have directly endangered public safety and undermined the integrity of the justice process,” the Town Union wrote.

The most alarming development came just last week, when a witness who had testified against Oduwanor was assassinated near the Benin-Asaba Expressway. Community sources suspect the killing was coordinated by associates of Oduwanor with information or instructions conveyed from inside the correctional facility.

Leadership Called to Act
The Ogwashi-Uku Town Union is not blaming the Correctional Service as a whole, but it is demanding urgent action from the top to address the breakdown at the Ogwashi-Uku facility.

The Union’s demands include:
• Immediate removal or suspension of the Deputy Comptroller.
• A full investigation into all unauthorized inmate privileges at the facility.
• A complete audit of communication access policies and enforcement at the center.

“This is not a condemnation of the Nigerian Correctional Service,” said Acting Union President Francis Osude, “but we must not let the actions of one official put lives at risk and erode public confidence.”

Warri as a Warning
The letter also draws attention to a previous scandal at the Warri Custodial Center, where inmates reportedly had access to phones and were able to coordinate criminal acts from behind bars and also temporarily leave the custodial center to commit crimes outside. Community leaders fear Ogwashi-Uku could follow that same dangerous path if no action is taken.

Youth Hold Off — For Now
The situation has sparked unrest within the community, especially among the youth. According to the letter, mass protests have been postponed only out of respect for the Correctional Service leadership, and in hope that swift disciplinary steps will be taken.

“We have asked our youth to wait for a response from Abuja,” Osude said.

“But if silence continues, people will take to the streets. We are protecting justice, not stirring unrest.”

Growing Pressure
The letter was also copied to the Honourable Minister of Interior, the Comptroller of Delta State, and the Deputy Comptroller of the Ogwashi-Uku center (for awareness). As of press time, there has been no official response.

Meanwhile, the public continues to demand answers—not only about the privileges granted to Oduwanor, but about the broader implications for witness protection and custodial integrity in one of Delta State’s most high-profile criminal trials.