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JUST IN: 119 Inmates Escape As Rainstorm Destroys Suleja Correctional Centre Fence
It’s unfortunate that 119 inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, due to the havoc caused by a rainstorm. The damage to a part of the facility enabled their escape. This situation highlights the vulnerability of prison facilities during natural disasters and the importance of robust infrastructure to prevent such incidents. Authorities will undoubtedly be working to apprehend the escaped inmates and ensure the safety of the public.
The Deputy Superintendent of Corrections Command Public Relations Officer, AS Duza, stated on Thursday morning that a heavy downpour on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State. This resulted in the destruction of a part of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, allowing 119 inmates to escape. Efforts have been intensified to recapture the escaped inmates, with 10 of them already retaken into custody. Duza also mentioned ongoing efforts to modernize and upgrade custodial facilities across Nigeria, with the construction of new centers and renovation of existing ones.
The heavy rain damaged parts of the building, particularly the perimeter fence protecting one of the cells where inmates were housed. Babangida Turaki, a resident of Suleja, reported that a part of the fence, which was undergoing repairs, was brought down by the rain. Security reinforcements managed to return some of the escaping prisoners, and efforts were underway to locate and arrest the remaining escapees.
Despite the incident, normalcy has returned to Suleja town, with a continued search operation to recover the remaining prisoners.
This escape incident occurred as the Federal Government is stepping up efforts to decongest correctional centers across the country. Plans were announced in November to release 4,068 inmates nationwide, particularly focusing on indigent inmates who cannot afford to pay their fines. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated that the government has allocated N585 million for the payment of fines to secure the release of these inmates.
News
NMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards
NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) said that it has shortlisted 972 of 1,112 entries for this year’s awards.
The Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, said that the entries for the 34th edition cut across print, radio, and television categories.
Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said that the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.
Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
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Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop
The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
•Faith Alayande
A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.
In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.
The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.
“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”
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Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
• Joseph Ezeokafor
Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.
Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.
Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.
Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.
His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.
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