The Ministry of Interior has reminded Nigerians that it is an offence under the law to assist persons who escape from Custodial centres.
The reminder followed a public notice by the Ministry showing the names and faces of 122 prisoners who escaped from the Oyo Custodial Centre on Friday, 22nd October, 2021.
The ministry’s notice added: “Please note that these persons are dangerous! Kindly contact the nearest police station or security agency close to you when you sight any of these persons.
“Note: It is a crime punishable under the law to render any form of assistance to (these) persons.”
Below are passport-size photos and names of the escapees:
Recall that in a statement, a day after the prisoners broke jail, the Controller of Corrections in Oyo State explained how gunmen used dynamites to break through and free 837 inmates. Those freed, he said, were awaiting -trial inmates
He disclosed that at about 9.30 p.m. the night of Friday 22nd October, 2021, unidentified, heavily armed gunmen arrived the Medium Security Centre in Abolongo, Oyo State, engaged officers in a fierce encounter before gaining entrance into the yard using dynamite to blast the wall.
“While all the awaiting trial detainees were forced out of custody, the cells housing the convicts and the female inmates were not vandalised,” the statement signed by CSC Anjorin Olanrewaju, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) on behalf of the Controller said.
He added that a total of 262 of the escapees have been recaptured leaving 575 still at large a day after.
“Following the directives of the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa…, the State Controller, Noel Ailewon has commenced the process of search and recapture after visiting the scene of the incident.
“He assures that no effort will be spared to recapture the fleeing inmates even as he solicited for credible intelligence to aid Security agencies in tracking down the fugitives.
“Oyo Custodial Centre was established in 2007 with a capacity of 160 inmates but at the time of attack, had a total population of 907. Of this number, awaiting trial persons were 837 representing 92% with just 64 convicts.”
On the same day, the Ministry of Interior issued its own statement signed by Sola Fasure, the Media Adviser to the Minister Rauf Aregbesola.
Titled, “ARMED ATTACK ON ABOLONGO CUSTODIAL CENTRE”, it reads in full: “At about 10.00 pm yesterday, October 22, 2021, a large number of heavily-armed gunmen attacked the Abolongo Custodial Centre, in Oyo, Oyo State.
“Armed squad unit members of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies on guard at the facility engaged the attackers in a gun duel that lasted for 20 minutes before they were overpowered.
“The attackers subsequently used grenades and other explosives to gain access into the awaiting trial section of the facility and set free many of the awaiting trial inmates. Other sections of the facilities were left untouched.
“The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been on the situation immediately the incident occurred.
“The Minister of Interior has been briefed on the attack. He is monitoring the situation.
“He has assured members of the public to go about their normal businesses as the situation is under control. He also requires members of the public to report any suspicious movement or any sign of the escaped inmates and the gunmen, in and around the vicinity, to the nearest security post around them.
“Security agencies are on the trail of the escaped inmates, while a joint security services manhunt has been launched immediately for the apprehension of the assailants.
“This has led to the capture of some of the inmates while others returned voluntarily. However, those who are on the run are advised to turn themselves in, as escape from lawful custody is a serious offense. The full weight of the law will be brought on them when arrested!”
