The Nigerian Correctional Service has so far recaptured 16 out of the 119 inmates who escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State last week.
The spokesperson for the NCoS, Abubakar Umar, disclosed this to our correspondent on Monday.
The PUNCH reports that a relentless downpour on Wednesday night wreaked havoc on the Suleja custodial centre, resulting in extensive damage to the facility and facilitating the escape of 119 inmates.
The downpour caused severe damage to the custodial centre’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, allowing inmates to flee.
Ten fleeing inmates were re-arrested on Thursday morning and in the evening, another three were recaptured.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, after surveying the damage caused by a severe downpour at the custodial centre in Suleja, highlighted the urgent need for reforms in over 240 custodial centres nationwide.
Tunji-Ojo pledged the Federal Government’s dedication to bringing the remaining fleeing inmates back into custody.
Giving the latest updates on the escapees, Umar said, “Additional three fleeing inmates have been recaptured making a total of 16 inmates.”
However, the spokesperson remained quiet on why the NCoS had yet to publish the images and other information on the remaining 103 fleeing inmates.
Our correspondent, who observed the website of the NCoS on Monday evening, noticed a flash notice that read, “Escapees Alert: Recent Escapees list from MSCC Suleja.” When our correspondent attempted to click on the notice, it did not respond.
A top official in the NCoS headquarters when contacted by our correspondent claimed that the delay was due to technical issues.
He said, “The delay is a result of technical challenges and lack of maintenance of the website. The NCoS is working to address the situation.”
