The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed reports that Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer, Osinachi, and a suspected kidnap kingpin, Hamisu Bala (a.k.a. Wadume), escaped from custody during the July 5 jailbreak at Kuje Custodial Centre, Abuja.

The Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, NCoS, Mr Chukwuedo Humphrey, said on Tuesday in Abuja that the two inmates were still in custody.

Some media reports had claimed that Osinachi’s husband and Wadume escaped during July 5 terrorists attack on the custodial centre.

Terrorists, who attacked the custodial centre, according to reports, freed about 879 inmates.

Humphrey said that the clarification became necessary in view of apublication by an online medium alleging that Wadume and Osinachi’s husband escaped.

“The story is false, reckless and mischievous. They are still in custody. Efforts are ongoing to recapture all fleeing inmates.

“The Controller-General, NCoS, Haliru Nababa, is determined to continue to upscale inmates’ welfare and safety, ” he said.

It will be recalled that a Federal Capital Territory High Court had ordered the remand of Osinachi’s husband at the custodial centre in connection with the singer’s death in April.

Hamisu Bala was arrested in August 2019 by the Intelligence Response Team over alleged supply of arms and ammunition to terrorists. (Nigerian Tribune)