By Ayo Kehinde
Seven inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, have escaped after a heavy downpour collapsed the facility’s aging perimeter wall.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) said the breach, triggered by structural failure during the storm, occurred at about 2:00 a.m on Tuesday.
This is coming less than a year, after 281 inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, following heavy flooding that collapsed the wall of the Custodial Centre.
Earlier on April 24, 2024, rainstorms struck in Niger State, where 119 inmates escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Prison after the walls gave way.
NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, said authorities have since launched a manhunt to recapture the escapees. The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
He said, “The Nigerian Correctional Service has launched an expansive manhunt following the rainfall that breached the security of its facility at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ilesa, Osun State.
“The force majeure which occurred at about 0200hours on Tuesday, 20th of May 2025 led to the escape of seven (7) inmates.
“Following the incident, the Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.
“The service is working closely with sister security agencies as well as community leaders to recapture the escapees and bring them back to custody.
“However, the Service solicits the cooperation and support of the public in providing information that may lead to the recapture of the fleeing inmates. Anyone with information should please contact the nearest security agency or call the NCoS Response Desk lines as follows: 07087086005, 09060004598, 08075050006.”
