Prison Official Refutes Claims of Murder Plots Targeting 'Sahara Escobar'

Tuesday 06 February 2024 - 10:45

Contrary to recent reports, a senior prison official asserted on Tuesday that the infamous drug lord, widely known as "Sahara Escobar," has not been subjected to any murder attempts during his incarceration in Morocco.

El Hadj Ahmed bin Ibrahim, whose notoriety has earned him the moniker "Sahara Escobar," has been afforded the same privileges as other inmates at the Ain Sebaa local prison in Casablanca, the official emphasized.

"The claims suggesting murder attempts or assaults against him are entirely unfounded," stated the prison director in a released statement. "He has never fallen victim to such incidents."

This rebuttal follows media speculations alleging that bin Ibrahim, serving a minimum of 10 years for drug trafficking, had narrowly escaped two orchestrated murder attempts by fellow inmates. However, according to the prison director, bin Ibrahim has not lodged any complaints regarding such purported incidents.

These alleged plots surface amidst an ongoing probe into accusations made by bin Ibrahim against two notable figures whom he implicated in his drug operations.

Said Naciri, the president of Morocco's renowned Wydad football club, and Abdennebi Biioui, a prominent infrastructure magnate, were apprehended in December following bin Ibrahim's claims linking them to drug smuggling and document forgery.

Both individuals are associated with the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which has hinted at legal actions to protect its reputation. Pending the investigation, the party has suspended the memberships of Naciri and Biioui.

Bin Ibrahim, resembling Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, was arrested in 2019 and subsequently convicted on charges of possessing, trafficking, and exporting drugs extensively across North Africa.

However, his case has evolved into a political imbroglio with allegations implicating influential figures in Moroccan society. Despite the escalating controversy, prison authorities maintain that bin Ibrahim has remained unharmed during his confinement.