BREAKING: Yobe Prison Van Crash Sparks Inmate Escape Hunt

According to a report by punch news on Thursday April 16 2026, a convicted inmate has escaped custody in Yobe State after the vehicle transporting prisoners was involved in a road accident along the Potiskum–Damaturu highway, the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed.

The Yobe State Command of the NCoS said the incident occurred on April 13 while inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Potiskum were being moved to Damaturu. According to the command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Adamu, the crash created chaos as officials and emergency responders rushed to rescue victims at the scene. Amid the confusion, one inmate seized the opportunity to flee.

The escaped prisoner was identified as Dahiru Mohammed, 30, a native of Askiwari village via Tarmuwa. Correctional authorities disclosed that he bears prison number J/1539/24 and had been in custody since November 29, 2024.

Following the escape, the correctional service declared Mohammed wanted and warned residents to avoid any contact with him, describing him as dangerous. The agency urged members of the public to immediately report any suspicious movement or useful information regarding his whereabouts to the nearest police station or correctional facility.

Officials also stressed that anyone found shielding or assisting the fugitive would face prosecution, noting that harbouring an escaped inmate remains a serious criminal offence under Nigerian law. Security agencies have since intensified efforts to track down the escapee and return him to custody.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety and security measures surrounding inmate transportation, especially on highways prone to accidents and emergencies.