Over 30 suspects flee defunct SARS’ custody after a midnight jailbreak in Lagos

The suspects, said to be armed robbery, kidnapping and murder suspects, including a man caught with three rifles, allegedly fled after tricking the Station Officer (SO) that there was an emergency inside the cell.

As the cell was unlocked, the suspects allegedly descended on the SO, beating him to a pulp before fleeing with his phone and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards.

The police denied earlier reports that over 80 suspects fled while being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Police sources said at least 30 of the suspects were still missing.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of SCID, Yetunde Longe, has temporarily relocated to the former SARS head office inside the command headquarters.

Police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said no suspects escaped.

He said the claim was an unfounded, baseless and mischievous rumour.

He said: “It is an attempt to cause fear and panic in the minds of Lagosians, and distracting the command.

“In line with the directive of the IGP, the State CID, Yaba, has taken over the disbanded SARS and other tactical units’ buildings in Ikeja and other satellite offices across the state, including the suspects.

“The suspects in all the cases handled by the disbanded SARS are intact.”

Also on Thursday, the police said an #ENDSARS protester, Mrs Nike Lawal, allegedly ran into the protesters in Alagbado, killing two persons.

It said Lawal, a resident of 30, Anjorin Street, Aminkanle, allegedly drove recklessly, leading to the death of Ojo Azeez, 27, and Yusuf Sodia, 26, who were protesting at Ikola Road, Alagbado, on Wednesday.   (The Nation)