Return voluntarily and get amnesty – Buhari govt to fleeing Imo inmates

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government has promised to grant amnesty to the inmates who escaped from the Correctional Center in Owerri, Imo State capital, on Monday, if they voluntarily returned to the center.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, disclosed this during the inspection of the centre on Tuesday, April 6.

IDOMA VOICE reports that over 1,880 inmates reportedly escaped from the prison after it was attacked by gunmen in the early hours of Monday, April 4.

The Minister said escape from custody is unlawful, and a crime. He explained that if those who escaped return willingly, they will be pardoned from a trial for unlawful escape.

He said, “Unlawful escape from custody is a crime but the government in its magnanimity will grant amnesty to prisoners who willfully return. They will no longer be charged with an unlawful escape but only for the initial crimes that took them to prison. So we urge all escapees to return before they are caught on the run.”