The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Edo State Command, has announced the escape of a 28-year-old awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas, during a court appearance in the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement dated 21 October and signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman. The statement was made available to journalists in Benin on Thursday.
According to the command, Thomas escaped while appearing in court for trial over 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.
“The incident occurred during his appearance in court for trial for the offence of conspiracy and stealing.”
The command appealed to members of the public to provide information that could lead to the inmate’s recapture.
“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 statement added.
The Controller of Corrections in Edo State assured residents that efforts were being made to recapture the fugitive and said security measures had been strengthened to safeguard other inmates.
Meanwhile, an official of the Nigerian Correctional Service attributed the incident to a shortage of personnel, saying the officer escorting Thomas and other inmates could not pursue him without risking the escape of others.
“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 due to retire in 2026, raising concerns about staffing levels and the absence of plans to recruit replacements.
The command urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report any information that could assist in locating Thomas.
