By Abdul Nasidi
John Ijamu, one of the inmates who escaped during the recent attack by terrorists on Kuje prison, Abuja has been recaptured in a residence where he was hiding along Mandela road, Minna, Niger State.
Ijamu who was remanded at Kuje prison following his arrested for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and receiving stolen property, was among the 879 inmates including 64 with terror-related charges who escaped terrorists had launched a daring attack on the facility.
He had after he escaped first ran to Lapai area also in Niger State where he stayed in a Mosque for about two weeks.
Ijamu who is from Apa LGA of Benue State, however, arrived in Minna on July 28 where he was rearrested in his residence last Sunday, according to Niger Police the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun.
The police spokesperson in a statement said, “Police operatives attached to Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) of the Command on July 31 at about 0700 hours arrested one John Ijamu of Apa LGA, Benue State but residing along Mandela road, Minna.
“He confessed that he escaped from the custodial facility during the attack along with other inmates.”He explained that he proceeded to Lapai area where he stayed in a Mosque for about two weeks before he arrived in Minna on July 28.
“He claimed that he was arrested in Abuja in 2020 for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and receiving stolen property and he was remanded in the facility for the offence.
“The Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Bala Kuryas, commended the efforts of the patrol team.”
The statement said Kuryas directed that the inmate should be handed back to the custodial centre, which had been complied with.
The CP equally appreciated members of the public for giving useful intelligence to the Police that facilitated the quick arrest of the fleeing fugitive.
The command urged residents to continue to support with reliable information that could aid in apprehending other suspected criminals and to combat crime and criminality in the state.