Enugu Prison Confirms Escape of Two Inmates, Launches Manhunt

By Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

The Enugu State Command of the Nigerian Prisons yesterday began a manhunt for the two escaped inmates of its maximum security prisons in Enugu.

They reportedly escaped through the ceiling of St. Peters Catholic Chaplaincy located in the prison yard.

The two inmates were said to have been convicted for stealing by Magistrate Court 7 Enugu East and sentenced to two calendar years in prison.

In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, Emeka Monday, the command gave the names of the escaped inmates as Lucky Sama and Balogun Idiom Joseph with charge numbers CME/566c/17 and CME/669c/17 respectively.

He, however, dismissed as false media reports that about 200 inmates escaped during the jail break.

According to the prisons spokesman, the prisoners escaped lawful custody at about 11p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2017.

“Subsequently, the Controller of Prisons, Enugu State Command, Mr. B. N Ogbodo, has ordered the deployment of intelligence unit and search party throughout the state and beyond. 

“He is collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the apprehension of the escapees,” he noted.

 According to the spokesman, the Controller of prisons also assured the people of the state and indeed Nigerians that the Prisons formation in the state was calm and peaceful and that inmates were in safe custody. 

“We are calling on the general public with useful information as to the whereabouts of the escapees to reach the command via 08063306606 or the nearest police station, as informant protection is guaranteed,” he said.