News

FG unveils identities of escaped inmates after Ilesa prison break

Published

1 year ago

May 22, 2025

The Federal Government has officially released the names of seven inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, during a jailbreak that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

According to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the jailbreak was triggered by a torrential overnight rainfall that compromised the integrity of the facility’s perimeter fence. The weakened structure gave the inmates a window to scale the fence and flee into the darkness undetected.

In a statement issued by the NCoS spokesperson, DCC Abubakar Umar, authorities confirmed that efforts are underway to recapture the fugitives, as a manhunt has been launched across Osun State and beyond.

Security around the prison has since been tightened. When our correspondent visited the scene on Tuesday afternoon, armed personnel from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were visibly stationed at strategic points around the premises.

An officer who spoke anonymously disclosed that the damaged part of the fence has been repaired. “We’ve fixed the breach and have heightened surveillance. All agencies are now working together to prevent a recurrence,” he said.

In the wake of the incident, a manhunt has been launched to track down the escapees. However, the Osun State Police Command said it had yet to receive a formal complaint from the Correctional Service.

Speaking with journalists, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said: “It is our duty to go after all criminals within the nooks and crannies of Osun State. If you are asking specifically about the inmates, we are still waiting for the Correctional Service to make an official complaint at the nearest police formation. We are fully prepared to act once that is done.”

Meanwhile, the NCoS has released the names and details of the escaped inmates as part of ongoing efforts to mobilize the public for support in their rearrest.

FULL LIST OF ESCAPED INMATES:

Kabiru Oyedun
Offence: Murder

Case Year: 2021

2. Eze Nweze

Offence: Armed Robbery

Case Year: 2023

3. John Michael