An awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas, 28, has escaped from custody during a court appearance in Edo State, prompting the Nigerian Correctional Service to seek public assistance to recapture him.
The Edo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service announced the escape in a statement dated October 21, signed by its Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman.
Thomas was being held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Auchi and appeared in court last week to face trial for alleged 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,” it said.
“The incident occurred during his appearance in court for trial for the offence of conspiracy and stealing.”
The correctional service appealed to members of the public to provide information that could lead to Thomas’s arrest.
The command asked anyone who knows his whereabouts to “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,” the statement said.
