By Omowumi Omotosho
Tension flared at the Ilorin Area Court on Tuesday when a former inmate, Segun Samuel, sparked a moment of chaos by attempting to flee from custody in a dramatic fashion.
Eyewitnesses said Samuel, who is currently facing trial in connection with four different criminal cases, managed to wriggle free from his leg restraints using a broomstick he had concealed. He then dashed into a nearby restroom and scaled the court’s perimeter fence in a bold escape bid.
However, his freedom was short-lived, as security operatives quickly mobilized and re-arrested him moments later.
Prosecuting officer, ASP Samuel Mayowa, confirmed that the defendant is linked to multiple ongoing criminal proceedings.
“He has four different criminal cases in this court. One of the cases was heard on Monday and he was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment. In the second criminal case, he was sentenced to six months’ community service, and the third case was supposed to be heard today before he pulled that stunt,” he said.
Court officials, disclosed that Samuel requested permission to use the restroom just minutes before his case was set to be heard. Seizing the opportunity, he slipped away from the courtroom, removed his leg cuff, and scaled the fence, vanishing into a nearby residential area.
In response, police personnel, assisted by a Nigeria Correctional Service officer, swiftly initiated a manhunt. With information provided by vigilant residents, Samuel was tracked to a dilapidated structure in the Oke-Suna area, approximately one kilometer from the court. He was re-arrested without resistance and escorted back into custody.
