Authorities of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) are investigating how an awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas, escaped from court premises in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Thomas, 28, was being held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Auchi pending trial.

He was reportedly taken to court last week for his trial, but the court declined to grant him bail.

Sources said Thomas seized the opportunity after the court sitting to escape.

The sources added that the correctional officer who escorted him and other inmates to court could not pursue him for fear that the remaining inmates might also escape.

An NCoS official attributed the incident to a personnel shortage

The official said more than 1,000 correctional officers were expected to retire this year, adding that the service had no plans to recruit new personnel to fill the anticipated vacancies.

A statement by the spokesman of the Edo Command of the NSC, Aminu Suleman, said Osita escaped during his court appearance for trial on charges of Conspiracy and Stealing.

According to the statement, “The Service solicits the cooperation of the general public to recapture the fugitive. Anyone with useful information about his whereabouts should contact the nearest Custodial Centre or Police Station, or call 08038075882 or 08039243704.

“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.”

Osita faces seven years’ imprisonment without parole if re-arrested. (The Nation)