PHOTO: FG releases names of Osun prison escapees

The Federal Government has identified seven inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, after a jailbreak on Tuesday, May 20.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) attributed the jailbreak to a heavy overnight downpour that weakened a section of the perimeter fence, allowing inmates to escape under the cover of darkness.

According to a statement by NCoS spokesperson DCC Abubakar Umar, authorities have confirmed that efforts are underway to recapture the escaped inmates, with a manhunt launched across Osun State and beyond.

Since then, security around the prison has been reinforced, with armed personnel from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps visibly stationed at key points around the premises when our correspondent visited on Tuesday afternoon.

An officer who spoke anonymously disclosed that the damaged part of the fence has been repaired. “We’ve fixed the breach and have heightened surveillance. All agencies are now working together to prevent a recurrence,” he said.

Following the incident, an investigation has been initiated to apprehend the escapees, although the Osun State Police Command has not yet received an official complaint from the Correctional Service.

According to SP Abiodun Ojelabi, Police Public Relations Officer, the police are committed to apprehending all criminals in Osun State, including escaped inmates, once an official complaint is made by the Correctional Service.

Meanwhile, the NCoS has released the names and details of the escaped inmates as part of ongoing efforts to mobilize the public for support in their rearrest.

FULL LIST OF ESCAPED INMATES:

Kabiru Oyedun
Offence: Murder

Case Year: 2021

2. Eze Nweze

Offence: Armed Robbery

Case Year: 2023

3. John Michael

Offence: Armed Robbery

Case Year: 2023

4. Olalekan Ajofoyinbo

Offence: Armed Robbery

Case Year: 2021