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From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
A fleeing inmate at the Oko Correctional Centre, Benin City, Edo State, identified as Pastor Oghenero Paul, has been re-arrested by the police in Delta State.
Oghenero was arrested in Agbarha-Otor community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The awaiting trial inmate, who was remanded for allegedly raping an 8-year-old girl, escaped from the correctional centre in October during the #EndSARS protest which led to jailbreak at the Oko Correctional Centre.
He was among the 101 suspects paraded on Thursday in Asaba by Delta State Commissioner for Police, Mr Hafiz Inuwa.
Oghenero, however, told Daily Sun that he was not involved in the jailbreak but that he escaped when he heard the shout of freedom during the protest.
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He said he had no access to information and could not take advantage of the offer by Edo State Government for escaped inmates to voluntarily return to face his charges, insisting that he is innocent of the allegation
Regardless, Inuwa said the suspect would soon be returned to Benin to face the charges levelled against him.
Giving a breakdown of the number of suspects arrested for various offences, Inuwa said 12 were apprehended for kidnapping, 27 for armed robbery, 25 for cultism, nine for arson, eight for child stealing and trafficking, 14 for unlawful possession of firearms, and eight for rape and defilement.
According to him, the eight suspected arsonists were apprehended for their alleged involvement in the burning of public places during the #EndSARS in October, this year.
Inuwa also listed items and weapons recovered as seven AK-47 rifles, 142 AK47 rifles with 7.62MM ammunition, three explosives, 26 assorted arms, 487 live cartridges, six pump action guns, seven motorcycles/tricycles; and four vehicles.
He assured residents of the ‘renewed commitment’ of the command towards the protection of lives and property in the State, and called on all to be ‘alert and security conscious especially during this season of festivities and to solicit for the continuous support, understanding and cooperation of members of the public in the fight against crime and criminality within the State.’
