By Ado Oyeyemi
A 23-year-old awaiting trial inmate, Osita Thomas, has escaped from court premises in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, prompting the Nigerian Correctional Service to launch efforts to recapture him.
Thomas, who is being held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi, reportedly escaped last week after appearing in court over allegations of conspiracy and stealing.
Sources said the court had declined to grant him bail before the incident occurred.
The inmate was said to have seized an opportunity to flee after the court proceedings.
A correctional officer who escorted him and other inmates to the court reportedly refrained from pursuing him for fear that other detainees might also escape.
An official of the NCS attributed the incident to manpower shortages, expressing concern that more than 1,000 personnel of the service were expected to retire this year without a corresponding recruitment plan.
The Edo State Command of the NCS confirmed the escape in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Aminu Suleman.
According to the statement, Thomas absconded while attending court proceedings over charges of conspiracy and stealing.
The service appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could lead to his arrest.
It advised anyone with useful information about the fugitive’s whereabouts to contact the nearest correctional centre or police station, or call 08038075882 or 08039243704.
The Controller of Corrections in Edo State assured residents that the command would intensify efforts to recapture the escaped inmate.
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The statement added that security measures had been strengthened across custodial facilities to prevent further incidents.
