The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Edo State Command, has announced the escape of an awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas, 28, during a court appearance in the state.
The escape was disclosed in a statement dated October 21 and signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman, which was made available to journalists in Benin on Thursday.
According to the statement, Thomas escaped last week while appearing in court for trial over alleged conspiracy and stealing.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service, Edo State Command, hereby notifies the general public of the escape of an awaiting trial inmate of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi.
“The incident occurred during his appearance in court for trial for the offence of conspiracy and stealing.
“The Service solicits the cooperation of the general public to recapture the fugitive.
“Anyone with useful information about his whereabouts should please contact the nearest Custodial Centre or Police Station, or call the following numbers: 08038075882, 08039243704.
“The Controller of Corrections, Edo State Command, assures the general public that no effort will be spared to recapture the fugitive, while security of all inmates in custody has been strengthened.”
However, an official of the correctional service said the officer who escorted Thomas and other inmates to court could not pursue him without risking the escape of the remaining detainees.
The official attributed the incident to a shortage of personnel, warning that more than 1,000 correctional officers were expected to retire this year without any plans to recruit replacements.
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“The warden couldn’t leave other inmates to pursue Osita as he will risk losing others.
“The dearth of manpower should be addressed now so that this kind of incident does not happen again,” the official added.
The correctional authorities urged members of the public with credible information about Thomas’s whereabouts to contact the nearest custodial centre or police station, or use the telephone numbers provided.
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