There was drama at the Ilorin Area Court on Thursday when a suspect, Segun Samuel, escaped from custody moments before his arraignment, throwing the courtroom into confusion and disrupting proceedings.
Samuel, a former inmate with multiple pending cases, was set to appear before the court on one of four active criminal matters when the incident occurred.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene. According to one source, Samuel managed to break free from his leg chains using a broomstick he had hidden in his clothing.
“He then asked to use the restroom, which was a routine request. Once out of sight, he sprinted toward the court’s perimeter, scaled the high fence, and disappeared into a nearby neighbourhood,” the source said.
Another court official explained how Samuel exploited a moment of lax security.
“He waited until just before his case was called. Then he asked to go to the toilet. That’s when he removed his cuffs and ran,” the staff member said.
Following the escape, officers from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Correctional Service launched an immediate manhunt.
With the help of local residents, they eventually apprehended Samuel at a building around Oke-Suna, roughly one kilometer from the courthouse.
He was quickly returned to custody, allowing court activities to resume.
Authorities have confirmed that the escape attempt will be added to the list of charges against him.
Speaking on the matter, the court’s prosecuting officer, ASP Samuel Mayowa, outlined Samuel’s criminal history and current legal situation.
“He has four active cases before this court. He was sentenced to one year in prison on Monday in one of them, and to six months of community service in another. He was scheduled to appear today for the third case when he made the escape,” Mayowa said.
