Police Confirm Cell Break, 2 Re-Arrests, Intensify Hunt For 8 Others In Edo

The Police Command in Edo on monday confirmed a cell break
incident at the Command Headquarters in Benin and dispelled the
rumour on the number of escapees.

The confirmation is contained in a statement signed by SP Chidi
Nwabuzor, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 02:45
hours of Friday, Jan. 1.

Nwabuzor said the command decided to set the record straight,
contrary to publications that had gone viral on social media and
other platforms alleging that hundreds of armed robbery and
kidnapping suspects had escaped.

“Only 10 suspects escaped after the cell break, two of the
escapees have already been re-arrested while we have intensified
hunt for the remaining eight.”

It said that the publication on social media and other platforms
alleging that hundreds of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers
escaped from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID)
facility was false.

“Edo Police Command wishes to inform the general public that 10
suspects escaped on Jan. 1, 2021 at about 0245hrs (2.45a.m)

“Out of this figure, two have been re-arrested and brought back
to custody.

“The figure is not as being maliciously and falsely speculated
on social media.”

The PPRO also disclosed that eight of the suspects were detained
on the orders of the court.

Giving a breakdown of the cell escapees, he said one was in
custody for stealing, another for murder, three for cultism, three
for robbery, while the other two were under Police investigation
for stealing.

“It is worthy to note that the quick mobilisation and response
of officers curbed further escape of 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.

“No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that all those
suspects are re-arrested.

“The Command assures members of the public of its continued
commitment to protect lives and property of law abiding citizens,”
Nwabuzor said.

The Police Command in Edo on monday confirmed a cell break
incident at the Command Headquarters in Benin and dispelled the
rumour on the number of escapees.

The confirmation is contained in a statement signed by SP Chidi
Nwabuzor, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 02:45
hours of Friday, Jan. 1.

Nwabuzor said the command decided to set the record straight,
contrary to publications that had gone viral on social media and
other platforms alleging that hundreds of armed robbery and
kidnapping suspects had escaped.

“Only 10 suspects escaped after the cell break, two of the
escapees have already been re-arrested while we have intensified
hunt for the remaining eight.”

It said that the publication on social media and other platforms
alleging that hundreds of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers
escaped from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID)
facility was false.

“Edo Police Command wishes to inform the general public that 10
suspects escaped on Jan. 1, 2021 at about 0245hrs (2.45a.m)

“Out of this figure, two have been re-arrested and brought back
to custody.

“The figure is not as being maliciously and falsely speculated
on social media.”

The PPRO also disclosed that eight of the suspects were detained
on the orders of the court.

Giving a breakdown of the cell escapees, he said one was in
custody for stealing, another for murder, three for cultism, three
for robbery, while the other two were under Police investigation
for stealing.

“It is worthy to note that the quick mobilisation and response
of officers curbed further escape of 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.

“No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that all those
suspects are re-arrested.

“The Command assures members of the public of its continued
commitment to protect lives and property of law abiding citizens,”
Nwabuzor said.