Daud Olatunji
An awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas, 28, has escaped from custody during a court appearance in Edo State, raising fresh concerns about manpower shortages in the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The Edo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman, on October 21, 2026.
According to the statement, Thomas, who was being held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi, escaped while appearing in court over allegations of conspiracy and stealing.
The command appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in locating and recapturing the fugitive.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service, Edo State Command, hereby notifies the general public of the escape of an awaiting-trial inmate of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi,” the statement said.
It added that the incident occurred during the inmate’s court appearance for trial over the alleged offences.
The command urged anyone with useful information about Thomas’s whereabouts to contact the nearest custodial centre or police station.
Members of the public can also reach the command through 08038075882 and 08039243704.
The Controller of Corrections in Edo State assured residents that efforts were being made to recapture the fugitive, adding that security measures had been strengthened to prevent further incidents involving inmates in custody.
However, a correctional service official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, attributed the circumstances surrounding the escape to manpower constraints, saying the officer escorting Thomas could not abandon other inmates to pursue him.
According to the official, attempting to chase the fleeing inmate could have exposed the other prisoners under the officer’s supervision to the risk of escaping as well.
“The warden couldn’t leave other inmates to pursue Osita as he will risk losing others,” the official said.
The official called for urgent action to address the personnel shortage in the service, warning that inadequate staffing could undermine the effective supervision and security of inmates during court appearances and other movements outside custodial facilities.
The source further claimed that more than 1,000 correctional personnel were expected to retire in 2026, expressing concern that the anticipated departures could worsen the manpower situation if recruitment did not take place.
“The dearth of manpower should be addressed now so that this kind of incident does not happen again,” the official added.
The escape has drawn attention to the security challenges associated with transporting and supervising awaiting-trial inmates during court proceedings, particularly where personnel must simultaneously maintain custody of several prisoners.
Although the command said security had been strengthened following the incident, it did not provide further details about the circumstances of the escape or disclose whether any personnel had been questioned in connection with it.
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