The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has unveiled the identities of seven inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, following a rainstorm that damaged the facility’s perimeter wall in the early hours of Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
In a statement issued by Umar Abubakar, Deputy Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer, the NCoS also announced a ₦5 million reward for any individual who provides credible information leading to the recapture of the escapees.
The list of the fugitives includes:
- John Michael, 34 years old – Emene, Enugu State
- Tobi Akin, 19 years old – Beside DC School, Oke Ejigbo, Osun State
- Eze Nweze, 40 years old – No. 26 Ayegbajeje, Ikorodu, Lagos State
- Olalekan Ajofoyinbo, 45 years old – Ilupeju, Ekiti State
- Ninalowo Yusuf, 28 years old – No. 1 Idowu Close, Ojo, Lagos State
- Mattew Ogunjimi, 20 years old – No. 53 Owode Street, Ikirun, Osun State
- Kabiru Oyedun, 39 years old – No. 56 Orita Agunla, Omu, Lagos State
The statement emphasized the importance of public involvement in the recapture effort:
“To encourage public participation, a ₦5 million reward is being offered to anyone with information that leads to the arrest of the escapees. The public is urged to report any leads to the nearest security agency.”
All tips will be treated with strict confidentiality and anonymity. For those wishing to report information, the NCoS provided a dedicated contact channel via email at complaintresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has also ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.
