RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has launched efforts to recapture a 28-year-old awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas, who reportedly escaped from court premises in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Thomas, who was being held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Auchi over allegations of conspiracy and stealing, reportedly escaped while attending court proceedings.
The incident has raised concerns about security arrangements for transporting and supervising inmates during court appearances.
According to reports, Thomas was taken to court for his trial last week but was denied bail.
He allegedly escaped shortly after the court proceedings, taking advantage of the circumstances surrounding the movement of inmates back into custody.
Sources familiar with the incident claimed that the correctional officer responsible for escorting the inmates could not immediately pursue the fleeing suspect because of concerns that other inmates under his supervision might also escape.
However, the circumstances surrounding the escape remain under investigation.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Edo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Aminu Suleman, said Thomas escaped while appearing in court on charges of conspiracy and stealing.
The command has appealed to members of the public to assist security agencies with credible information that could lead to his recapture.
Residents with useful information about the fugitive’s whereabouts were advised to contact the nearest custodial centre or police station.
The Correctional Service also provided the following telephone numbers for information relating to the search: 08038075882 and 08039243704.
The Controller of Corrections in Edo State assured residents that efforts were ongoing to locate and recapture the escaped inmate.
The command further stated that security measures had been strengthened to prevent similar incidents involving inmates in custody.
Meanwhile, concerns have emerged over staffing challenges within the Correctional Service, with an official reportedly attributing the incident partly to inadequate personnel.
The official claimed that the service faced increasing manpower pressures amid anticipated retirements.
However, the extent to which staffing shortages contributed to Thomas’s escape has not been officially established.
The incident has renewed attention to the need for adequate security personnel, improved inmate transportation procedures and stronger supervision during court appearances.
Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with the ongoing search and avoid attempting to apprehend the fugitive personally.
