Seven inmates escape Ilesa prison after heavy rainfall reaches Wall

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched a comprehensive manhunt for seven inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, in the early hours of Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

The seven inmates escape occurred after heavy rainfall caused a breach in the facility’s perimeter wall.

According to NCoS spokesman, Deputy Controller of Corrections Umar Abubakar, the incident took place around 2:00 a.m. when a downpour compromised the integrity of the prison’s wall, allowing the inmates to flee.

“According to  Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesman, Deputy Controller of Corrections Umar Abubakar, the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. when a downpour compromised the facility’s perimeter wall, allowing the inmates to flee.”

In response to the breach, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) is actively collaborating with other security agencies and community leaders in an effort to recapture the escapees.

The public is urged to provide any information that may assist in locating the fugitives by contacting the NCoS Response Desk at 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006.

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The Osun State Police Command has stated that it has not yet received an official briefing from the NCoS regarding the incident but is prepared to act on any intelligence received.

This latest incident highlights persistent concerns about the structural integrity of correctional facilities across Nigeria, particularly their vulnerability to adverse weather conditions.

A similar event occurred in April 2024, when heavy rainfall led to the escape of 119 inmates from the Suleja Custodial Centre.

Authorities are appealing to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency to aid in the recapture efforts.