A Nigerian national, Tony Obina, has reportedly been recaptured after escaping from the Kakata Central Prison in Margibi County, Liberia, during a jailbreak on Sunday.
Obina was among a number of inmates who fled the correctional facility on September 20 as security authorities launched a search operation to track down the escapees. Liberia’s Ministry of Justice confirmed that a jailbreak had occurred but initially said it was still verifying the number and identities of the inmates involved.
Reports indicate that Obina was later found by local residents and returned to the prison alongside another man. A video circulating online reportedly showed the two men being escorted back to the facility.
Obina had recently been convicted in a major drug-trafficking case by a 12-member jury at the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Margibi County. He was convicted alongside two officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Joe Logan and Lovette Flowers. The case reportedly involved drugs valued at about US$181,008 and more than L$63.2 million.
The jailbreak triggered a joint security operation involving Liberian security agencies, with authorities searching surrounding communities for inmates who remained at large.
Local reports have given varying estimates of the number of prisoners who escaped, with some putting the figure at more than 100. However, Liberia’s Ministry of Justice has not yet confirmed the final number, saying prison records were being reconciled to establish the exact details.
The ministry has urged residents to remain vigilant and provide information to security authorities about the whereabouts of any escapees. It also warned members of the public against attempting to apprehend or harbour escaped inmates.
The circumstances surrounding the jailbreak and how the prisoners managed to leave the facility remain under investigation, while security forces continue efforts to locate those still at large.
