An awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas, 28, has escaped from custody during a court appearance in Edo State, the Nigerian Correctional Service has announced.
The Edo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service disclosed the incident in a statement dated October 21 and made available to journalists in Benin on Thursday.
According to the statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman, 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 statement read.
The command appealed to members of the public to assist in recapturing the fugitive.
It urged anyone with useful information about his whereabouts to contact the nearest custodial centre or police station, or call 08038075882 or 08039243704.
The Controller of Corrections in Edo State assured the public that efforts were being made to recapture Thomas. The command also said security measures for inmates in custody had been strengthened.
However, an official of the Nigerian Correctional Service blamed the incident on a shortage of personnel, explaining that the officer who escorted Thomas and other inmates to court could not pursue him without risking further escapes.
“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 said.
The official further claimed that more than 1,000 correctional personnel were expected to retire this year, adding that there were no plans to recruit new personnel.
The reported manpower shortage has raised concerns about the challenges correctional officers face in securing inmates during court appearances.
