By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Kabiru Oyedun, one of the seven inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesha, Osun State, has been nabbed by the police in Lagos.

Oyedun, who had been remanded at the Ilesha facility on charges of murder, was captured on Wednesday evening in the Ayobo area of Lagos.

This development was confirmed on Friday by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin. According to Hundeyin, the 39-year-old fugitive was apprehended at approximately 5:30 p.m. by officers from the Ayobo Division, following coordinated intelligence efforts.

“Yes, Kabiru Oyedun, male, aged 39, was successfully rearrested after fleeing the Ilesa Correctional Centre,” Hundeyin stated in a message to FIJ. “He was tracked and arrested in the Ayobo area on May 21, 2025, at around 5:30 p.m. This was made possible through the proactive and strategic security operations put in place by the Lagos State Police Command to block any infiltration by criminals into the state.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) also confirmed the recapture. Its spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, told FIJ on Friday morning that while the arrest had been made, the Service would release an official statement once Oyedun was transferred back into their custody.

“We are aware that one of the escapees has been rearrested thanks to a collaborative effort between the Correctional Service and other security agencies,” Umar said. “An official statement will be issued once he is safely back in our custody. We ask for a little more patience until this process is completed.”

Escape Triggered by Heavy Rainfall

The jailbreak occurred in the early hours of Tuesday following a heavy downpour that caused a section of the prison’s perimeter wall to collapse, allowing the inmates to escape undetected around 2 a.m.

In response to the incident, the NCoS announced on Wednesday a N5 million reward for anyone who provides credible information leading to the capture of the escapees.

“To ensure public involvement in the recapture effort, the Nigerian Correctional Service is offering a N5 million reward for actionable information that results in the arrest of any of the seven fugitives who escaped from the Ilesha Medium Custodial Centre,” the Service announced.

Authorities continue to search for the remaining escapees and have urged the public to report any suspicious activity or sightings to law enforcement.