Saturday, October 24, 2026 - The Edo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, has launched a manhunt for an awaiting-trial inmate who escaped from court premises in the state.
It was gathered that the inmate, identified as Osita Thomas,
was being held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi, pending trial
for alleged conspiracy and stealing.
The 28-year-old Thomas was taken to court in Etsako West
Local Government Area last week for trial, but the court declined to grant him
bail.
He, however, escaped shortly after the court session.
officer who escorted him and other inmates to court could
not pursue him for fear that the remaining inmates might also escape.
An official of the Service, who pleaded anonymity, blamed
the incident on a shortage of personnel, disclosing that more than 1,000
correctional officers are expected to retire this year without plans to recruit
replacements.
"The warden couldn't leave other inmates to pursue
Osita as he will risk losing others. The dearth of manpower should be addressed
now," the official said.
Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the Edo Command,
Aminu Suleman, in a statement, said efforts have been intensified to recapture
the fugitive.
"The Service solicits the cooperation of the general
public to recapture the fugitive. Anyone with useful information about his
whereabouts should contact the nearest custodial centre or police station, or
call 08038075882 or 08039243704.
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