By Deborah Nnamdi
A dramatic incident unfolded on Tuesday at an Ilorin Area Court when an ex-convict, Segun Samuel, made a bold attempt to flee the court premises, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to the prosecution counsel, ASP Samuel Mayowa, who witnessed the event, the escape attempt was meticulously planned. Samuel allegedly used a broomstick to free himself from the leg restraints, casually walked toward the restroom, and then scaled the court fence.
“He has four different criminal cases pending in this court,” Mayowa explained. “He was sentenced to one year imprisonment on Monday in one of the cases. In another, he received six months of community service. The third case was scheduled to be heard today before he tried to make his escape.”
Fortunately, swift action by police officers and a prison warder at the court prevented his getaway. With the support of local residents, authorities tracked Samuel down to a dilapidated building in the Oke-Suna area of Ilorin.
The Nigeria Correctional Service was promptly alerted, and the fugitive was apprehended and returned to custody.
