The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has called on the public to help track down a 28-year-old awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas, who escaped from custody during a court appearance in Edo State.
In a statement dated October 21, the Edo State Command confirmed the escape. The statement was signed by its Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman.
Thomas was detained at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Auchi before he escaped while appearing in court last week. He was facing 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 incident occurred during his appearance in court for trial for the offence of conspiracy and stealing,” the statement added.
Following the incident, the command urged anyone with useful information about Thomas’s location to help security agencies find him.
It asked members of the public to “contact the nearest Custodial Centre or Police Station”.
The Controller of Corrections in Edo State also assured residents that the service was working to bring the escaped inmate back into custody.
“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.
