Death Row Inmate Vanishes from Maximum Security Custody
Death Row Inmate Vanishes from Maximum Security Custody
There was palpable tension in Yobe State on Friday after a condemned inmate, Abba Hassan, escaped from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Potiskum, sparking a statewide manhunt by security operatives.
Hassan, who was awaiting execution, reportedly fled from custody in the early hours of October 31, 2025, under circumstances that have yet to be fully explained by authorities.
Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the spokesperson of the Yobe State Police Command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said the fugitive hails from Maiduguri, Borno State, and remains a serious threat to public safety.
“We wish to inform the general public that a condemned inmate, Abba Hassan, has escaped from the Potiskum Maximum Security Custodial Centre.
The public, security agencies, transport operators, community leaders, and vigilante groups across Yobe and neighbouring states are advised to be extremely vigilant and report any sighting or information that could lead to his location and prompt re-arrest,” Abdulkarim stated.
He warned residents against taking matters into their own hands or attempting to confront the fugitive.
“Do not attempt to confront or apprehend him on your own. For safety reasons, anyone who sights the fugitive should immediately report to the nearest police station, the nearest correctional facility, or contact the command through the emergency line — 08038452982,” he added.
The police spokesperson also called for full cooperation from members of the public to support the ongoing joint operation aimed at recapturing the escapee.
“The Command urges all residents to remain calm but alert, and to extend maximum cooperation to security agencies as efforts intensify to ensure the fugitive’s swift arrest and restore public confidence,” the statement concluded.
Security analysts say the incident raises serious questions about surveillance and control within Nigeria’s correctional facilities, especially given the inmate’s death-row status. Meanwhile, combined tactical teams have reportedly been deployed to track the fugitive across Yobe, Borno, and adjoining states.
