By Victor Johnson
Nasarawa Nigeria – June 15, 2025
Thirteen suspects held for serious offences, including kidnapping and culpable homicide, have escaped from police custody in Nasarawa State, NEWSPOINTER has learnt.
The incident occurred around 6:30am on Saturday at the Area Command Headquarters in Lafia, the state capital. Sources within the command said the suspects broke through the wall of their cell and fled before officers on duty could respond.
THE NEWSPOINTER NEWSPAPER
Your Trusted Daily Online News Source from Taraba State, Nigeria.
Bringing you the latest in:
🗞️ National & Local News | ⚽ Sports | 🧵 Fashion | 🏛️ Politics | 🚨 Breaking News
Published by: Humtaro & Co., Jalingo, Taraba State
The escapees, who were being detained by the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Cultism units, include suspects arrested for offences such as armed robbery, grievous bodily harm, unlawful association, and chain theft.
Those who escaped have been identified as Jamilu Abdulsalam, Abdullahi Yahaya, Usman Yerima, Abba Musa, Idris Hussaini, Abu Amu, Usman Hassan, Hussaini Sani, Ibrahim Shuaibu, Hamza Abubakar, Usman Ibrahim (popularly known as Tecno), and Abdullahi Muhammed, who was being held on the order of a court.
Security sources told NEWSPOINTER that a manhunt had been launched to re-arrest the fleeing suspects, whom they described as “a threat to public safety.”
Support real journalism.
✅ Prioritize credible sources
🔍 Fact-check what you read
💸 Donate to outlets that value truth, independence & fairness
Journalism matters—help it thrive. #NEWSPOINTER Fact checker#
“This is a serious security breach. Efforts are ongoing to ensure all those who escaped are brought back into custody,” a senior police officer who did not want to be named said.
In response to the incident, the Cell Record Officer, Duty Officer, Cell Guard, and the Officer in Charge of Rounds have all been queried and placed under investigation over alleged negligence.
The development has triggered anxiety among residents, with many expressing concern over the ease with which high-risk suspects were able to escape from detention.
“If people accused of murder and kidnapping can break out of custody like that, then what hope is there for ordinary citizens?” a resident who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nasarawa State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement.
