IGP demands explanations from Edo CP over jail break

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro

The Edo State Commissioner of police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo has been requested by the Force Headquarters in Abuja to explain circumstances leading to cell break in Benin City.

The Inspector-General of police, Mr. Adamu Adamu allegedly queried him in connection with SCID police cell break that occurred January 1, 2021.

A security source at Edo State police headquarters told our correspondent on Monday that ” The CP is in Abuja on invitation of the IGP.

“He (CP) is expected to brief the IGP about the incident.

“They are expected to obtain the CP’s statement under caution. Quarter Guards are in police cell right now. The OC CID is also not going to be spared in the investigation.”

Spokesman of the Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the cell break development in a statement on Monday in Benin City.

He said two of the suspects that escaped from the State Investigation Department (SCID) have been re-arrested and brought back to custody.

The command also disclosed that contrary to the allegations that hundreds of kidnappers and armed robbers had escaped from the SCID facilities, only ten suspects escaped.

He revealed that eight  of the suspects were detained on the order of court.

He gave the  summary of their offences to include stealing – 1, Murder- 1, Cultism-3, Robbery-3, while the other two (2) were under Police investigation for stealing.

He said, “It is worthy to note that the quick mobilization and response of officers curbed further escape of the suspects.

“The Policemen who were responsible for the safe custody of the escaped suspects have been identified, arrested and detained for departmental disciplinary process.  Effort is being intensified to re-arrest the fleeing suspects.

“The Command has the wherewithal/intelligence to re-arrest the remaining suspects who are on the run but will still appreciate any useful information from the members of the public as no stone will be left unturned in assuring that all those suspects are re-arrested”.

Nwabuzor, assures members of the public of its continued commitment to protect lives and property of law abiding citizens.

But, a dependable source said one of the criminal suspects simply known as Ikpo is among those that escaped from the cell.