The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Yobe State Command, has declared a convicted inmate wanted after he escaped from custody following a road traffic accident involving a vehicle transporting prisoners from Potiskum to Damaturu.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Adamu, disclosed this development in an official notice issued on Wednesday.
“The general public is hereby notified that the Nigerian Correctional Service, Yobe State Command, has confirmed the escape of an inmate from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Potiskum,” the statement read.
According to the notice, the escape occurred on April 13 when the vehicle conveying inmates to Damaturu was involved in an accident along the Potiskum–Damaturu road.
“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,” the statement added.
The escaped inmate was identified as Dahiru Mohammed, a 30-year-old native of Askiwari village via Tarmuwa. He bears prison number J/1539/24 and was admitted into custody on November 29, 2024.
The command described Mohammed as dangerous and urged members of the public to avoid any personal interaction with him.
“The escaped individual is considered dangerous, and members of the public are advised not to have any personal dealings with him,” the statement warned.
The NCoS appealed to the public to provide any information that could aid in his recapture.
“If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of this individual, or if you spotted anyone suspicious near the site of the accident on the Potiskum–Damaturu road, please take immediate action by reporting to the nearest police station or correctional facility,” the statement said.
Emergency contact numbers provided by the command include 07038397460, 07063348987, the MSCC Potiskum Duty Office on 08062211873, and the Yobe State Command Headquarters on 08038452982.
The command also cautioned the public against harbouring the fugitive, stressing that doing so constitutes a serious criminal offence.
“Harbouring a fugitive is a serious criminal offence punishable by law. We appreciate the cooperation of the public in ensuring the swift return of the inmate to custody,” the statement concluded.
