THE Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Edo State Command, has announced the escape of an awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas, 28.
News Point Nigeria reports that the development was disclosed in a statement dated October 21 by the state command’s Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman, and made available to journalists in Benin on Thursday.
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According to the statement, the inmate escaped last week while appearing in court for trial over allegations of conspiracy and stealing.
The statement read: “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.
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“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 Nigerian Correctional Service said the warden who escorted Thomas and other inmates to court could not pursue the escapee because doing so could have created an opportunity for other inmates to escape. The official blamed the incident on a shortage of personnel.
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The official further disclosed that more than 1,000 personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service were expected to retire this year, with no plans to recruit new personnel to replace them.
“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.
