A court appearance in Edo State has taken an unexpected turn after a 28-year-old inmate awaiting trial escaped from custody, forcing the Nigerian Correctional Service to launch a search for him and appeal to the public for help.
The missing inmate has been identified as Osita Thomas, who was being held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Auchi. He was taken to court last week to face trial over allegations of conspiracy and stealing, but the proceedings were overshadowed by his escape.
The Edo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed the development in a statement issued on October 21 and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman.
According to the command, Thomas fled while appearing before the court for his trial. However, the authorities did not disclose how he managed to escape or provide details about the circumstances that allowed him to get away.
With his whereabouts still unknown, the correctional service has called on members of the public to assist security agencies in tracking him down.
Anyone with information that could help locate Thomas has been advised to report to the nearest custodial centre or police station. The command also provided two telephone numbers for members of the public to share useful information: 08038075882 and 08039243704.
The Controller of Corrections in Edo State has assured residents that every effort is being made to recapture the escaped inmate. The command further disclosed that security arrangements within custodial facilities had been strengthened following the incident.
For now, the search for Thomas continues, while questions remain about the exact circumstances surrounding his escape during a court appearance.
