BREAKING: Fleeing inmates return to Imo correctional centre

Daily Times has gathered that on Wednesday, over 80 inmates who escaped from the Owerri Custodial Centre have voluntarily returned.

This was revealed to our correspondent by a source in the Nigerian Correctional Service.

“On Tuesday, about 17 of them returned, and on Wednesday, we saw more than 20 of them return,” he said.

“But they are mainly those on awaiting trial, those who have less prison term and those who are about to complete their terms, have returned so far”.

As of Monday evening, about 42 inmates had returned, bringing the total number of returnees to 80.

”The problem we’re having is that none of the hardened and condemned prisoners (HCI) who escaped has returned, and this isn’t exclusive to this prison break.

“This is understandable because it will take a miracle for a person who knows that his execution can take place any moment, to return after his freedom was given to him freely by those who broke into the facility,” the source said.

Gunmen whom the police said were members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had attacked the Correctional facility and freed 1,844 inmates on Monday.

It is expected with the amnesty announced by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, more of the escapees would return back to the facility to continue their terms.

The source added: “Most of the returnee inmates were escorted back by their parents, lawyers and relations.

“We are expecting that more will return by the weekend.