Nigerian rapper and singer Ice Prince has shared the harrowing details of his six-day experience at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos, which he described as a “horrible” ordeal he wouldn’t wish on anyone, not even his worst enemy.
In a recent interview, Ice Prince opened up about his remand in September 2022 after being accused of assaulting a police officer during a stop-and-search operation. He clarified that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding, explaining that he was joking with the officer when he drove off, which led to his arrest.
Reflecting on his time in prison, Ice Prince emphasized that despite his celebrity status, he received no preferential treatment. He described the conditions in prison as harsh and isolating, contrasting it with a police cell. He also took a swipe at public figures who boast about surviving police custody, stressing that prison is a vastly different experience.
“Whatever story you were told is not what happened,” he stated. “I spent six days in jail. I didn’t get preferential treatment. It’s a prison, so there was no preferential treatment. I’m not talking about a police cell.” He warned that even minor mistakes could land anyone in such a harsh environment, where many innocent people suffer. Despite the challenges, he formed bonds with fellow inmates, calling prison “a different institution of higher learning.”
Ice Prince concluded by stressing that incarceration is a different world altogether, one that should not be romanticized or bragged about. He made it clear that he wouldn’t wish the experience on anyone.