Breaking: Several Inmates Escape From Kogi Prison, "Serious Concerns"
- Authorities have confirmed that 12 inmates escaped from detention in Kogi state on Monday, March 24
- The prisoners escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, in the prominent northcentral state
- Legit.ng gathered that the jailbreak occurred in the early hours of Monday, March 24, 2025, as the inmates tampered with the padlocks in a section of the facility, allowing them to escape
CHECK OUT: Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with LEGIT. Enroll Now!
Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
Lokoja, Kogi state - 12 inmates escaped in an early morning jailbreak at the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, Kogi state, on Monday, March 24.
As reported by Channels Television, Kogi state information commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “unfortunate”.
The Punch also noted the unfortunate development.
The prominent Kogi state government official assured citizens that the government, working with security agencies, would take steps to prevent a recurrence. According to him, law enforcement agencies have re-arrested one of the escapees.
Fanwo said:
“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns. “This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, arrest the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system."
Jailbreak: Kogi governor gives directive
Furthermore, the commissioner said Kogi governor, Usman Ododo, has asked the police and others to ensure such security breaches do not happen again.
Fanwo added: “We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harbouring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” he warned. “There is no cause for panic. We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority."
Prison authorities to investigate Kogi jailbreak
Meanwhile, Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi, the acting-controller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.
He said a security audit was being conducted across all correctional facilities nationwide to prevent future occurrences.
Nwakuche said:
“The Service urges members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any helpful information that may assist in the recapture of those still at large. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
“The Service assures Nigerians that the safety of custodial centres remains a top priority, and measures are being reinforced to strengthen security across all facilities. The NCoS remains committed to ensuring that correctional facilities fulfil their mandate of safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates."
House of reps to investigate continuous jailbreaks
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the house of representatives raised concerns about the incessant jailbreaks in the country.
The lawmakers decided to investigate the issue, noting that such occurrences fuel the insecurity in the country.
The decision of the House was prompted by a motion raised by a legislator from Anambra state during plenary.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
