From Joseph Adahnu, Yola
Tension grips Medium Security Custodial Centre in Jimeta, following the alleged escape of two inmates described by security sources as politically exposed suspects who were recently transferred from Mubi over alleged political thuggery and related offences.
The alleged escape has let loose a coordinated manhunt by security agencies, amid concerns over possible lapses in custodial security and the handling of high-profile detainees.
Several sources in tune with developments at the correctional facility told newsmen that the suspects were transferred to the Jimeta custodial centre about three weeks ago following a security crackdown on suspected political thugs in Mubi and surrounding communities.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, had earlier declared publicly during a recent visit to Mubi, that his administration would dismantle criminal networks allegedly linked to political violence and other violent crimes in the area. The governor had vowed that those responsible for insecurity would be arrested and prosecuted.
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Sources very close to the correctional system, alleged that the two inmates allegedly received preferential treatment after arriving at the facility. The sources claimed that the suspects were later transferred to the Specialist Hospital Yola, on medical grounds, where they were also allegedly granted unusual privileges while receiving treatment.
The source further said, ”They were transferred from Mubi as part of the crackdown on political thuggery. However, there were alleged compromise within the system which gave them special concession”. Source also claimed that the inmates were allowed unrestricted movement during their hospital stay and were allegedly permitted to leave the premises at night before eventually disappearing.
”It was during that period that they allegedly escaped. Since then, no one has been able to account for their whereabouts,” the source said.
Sources also alleged that “Governor Fintiri expressed anger after being briefed on the incident and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the escapees.
”Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been placed on alert to track down the fugitives. There have always been allegations that influential individuals interfere whenever attempts are made to prosecute some of these suspected political thugs.
“This time, the governor is said to have insisted that they must be rearrested and made to face the law,” another source alleged.
Attempt by newsmen to obtain an official response from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) failed.
Journalists who visited the NCoS headquarters in Yola, were informed that the State Comptroller, Abduljalil Ajani, was away on an official inspection of the Yolde Pate custodial facility. Officials requested the reporters’ contact details and promised to provide a response upon the Comptroller’s return, but none was received.
A return visit by the Journalists next day, were told by the Deputy Public Relations Officer, that he was not authorised to comment on the matter in the absence of his superior. He however, assured reporters that he would brief the Comptroller and facilitate an official response. The Nigeria Correctional Service is yet to issue any statement regarding the alleged escape.
A repeated visit to the facility on Monday morning also yielded no official response. Journalists were informed that the Comptroller was not in the office, while the Public Relations Officer was reportedly unwell and his deputy had travelled to the Yolde correctional facility.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Correctional Service is yet to confirm or deny the alleged escape or provide deta
