Kuje Jail Break: Prisons Boss Confirms Escape of Two Prisoners

Dele Ogbodo in Abuja

The Controller General of Prisons Service (CGP), Mr. Ja’afaru Ahmed, on Saturday confirmed that only two prison inmates at the Kuje Medium Prison escaped from their cell during a minor jail break, which occurred between 7pm and 8pm on Friday night.

Ahmed also debunked initial reports that a brother of Henry Okah, jailed leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), Charles Okah, escaped during the jailbreak, adding that the story was misleading.

Speaking on behalf of the CGP, on telephone, the Public Relations Officer of the Prisons Service, Mr. Francis Enobore, confirmed that the jail break indeed took place on Friday evening. On the rumour that Okah has escaped, the CGP said: “It is not true. Henry Okah’s younger brother is still in custody. I have been in touch with our men in the prison facility, and there is nothing like that Okah escaped.”

He said: “As I speak with you now after going round the prison, I can confirm to you that Mr. Charles Okah, one of our high profile detainees is hale and hearty at the prison facilities.”
While acknowledging that the escapees have not been found, he added that their names cannot be immediately revealed.

Meanwhile, THISDAY checks at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, showed evidence of high security alert mounted by the Aviation Security Unit (AVESCE), Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), security outfit.

A senior FAAN official, who craved anonymity while commenting on the jail break, said FAAN is monitoring movement of passengers for both low and high profile prisoners and detainees who might want to use the airport as an escape route.