Edo Prison Inmate Escapes From Court Over Shortage of Wardens

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Authorities of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Edo State Command, have confirmed the escape of an awaiting-trial inmate, 28-year-old Osita Thomas, from court custody in Benin City.

The incident was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman, dated October 21 and made available to newsmen on Thursday.

According to the official statement, Thomas, who was facing charges of conspiracy and stealing, fled during a court appearance last week.

A correctional official who spoke on the condition of anonymity explained that the armed warden detailing the inmates could not pursue the fleeing suspect to prevent the remaining detainees from escaping, citing severe manpower constraints during inmate transfers.

The official highlighted systemic staffing shortages within the service, revealing that over 1,000 NCoS personnel nationwide are scheduled to retire this year without an active recruitment plan to fill the operational vacuum.