The Nigerian Correctional Service in Yobe State has declared a 30-year-old inmate wanted after he escaped from custody following a road accident involving a vehicle conveying prisoners from Potiskum to Damaturu.
The incident, which occurred on April 13, happened while inmates were being transported from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Potiskum when the vehicle was involved in a crash along the route.
In an official statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Adamu, the service confirmed the escape and said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing convict.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service, Yobe State Command, has confirmed the escape of an inmate from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Potiskum,” the statement said.
According to the service, the inmate took advantage of the chaos that followed the accident to flee the scene while rescue efforts were being carried out for those injured.
“The unfortunate incident occurred while efforts were being made to rescue the affected accident victims. The individual managed to flee the scene of the accident,” it added.
The escaped inmate was identified as Dahiru Mohammed, aged 30, from Askiwari village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of the state. He was admitted into custody on November 29, 2024, and bears prison number J/1539/24.
The correctional service described him as dangerous and urged members of the public not to engage or provide him shelter.
“The escaped individual is considered dangerous, and members of the public are advised not to have any personal dealings with him,” the statement warned.
It further appealed to residents to report any information that could lead to his arrest, stressing that anyone found aiding or hiding him would face legal consequences.
“If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this individual… please report to the nearest police station or correctional facility,” the command said.
The agency also released emergency contact numbers for members of the public to assist in the search operation and reiterated that harbouring a fugitive is a criminal offence.
