Inmate Osita Thomas Escapes During Court Appearance

Osita Thomas, a 28-year-old awaiting-trial inmate, escaped during a court appearance for charges of conspiracy and stealing. The Nigeria Correctional Service, Edo State Command, confirmed the incident in a statement by PRO Aminu Suleman, dated October 21.

The escape occurred while Thomas was at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Auchi. The service has appealed to the public for assistance in locating Thomas, urging anyone with information to contact the nearest Custodial Centre or Police Station, or call the provided numbers: 08038075882 and 08039243704.

The Controller of Corrections for Edo State assured that efforts to recapture Thomas would be prioritized and that security measures for all inmates have been enhanced. An official from the Nigeria Correctional Centre indicated that the warden could not pursue Thomas due to the risk of other inmates escaping, attributing the incident to a shortage of manpower, with over 1,000 personnel set to retire without plans for new recruitment.