Attackers of the Oyo Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abolongo, Oyo State, were on a coordinated operation to free two convicted robbers of the First Bank branch in Okeho town, Kajola Local Government Area of the state, FIJ has learnt.

According to multiple sources, the attackers are cohorts of some inmates from Kogi who were involved in the July 29 bank robbery.

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Since the correctional centre was attacked at about 10 pm on Friday, a total of 262 out of over 800 escapees have returned, according to a press statement signed by Olanrewaju Anjorin, the spokesman for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Command.

Although there were speculations that the attack was to free Isikilu Wakili, a Fulani warlord arrested in Ayete, the headquarters of Ibarapa North Local Government Area in March, FIJ’s findings revealed that Wakili was not in Abolongo at the time of the jailbreak but “had been transferred to another prison some few months ago”.

High-profile suspects like Sunday Shodipe, accused of kidnapping and serial killings, as well as Olaniyan Amos, owner of Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited (DHIL), popularly known as Crime Alert Security Network Investment, who was arraigned for fraud, were, however, still in Abolongo when the attack happened.

A source, who asked not to be named, said, “Amos was remanded in Abolongo prison on October 20. The style of operation was typical of how bank robberies are carried out. It must have taken some weeks and months to plan and execute. So, they were not there to rescue someone who was recently brought in like Amos.

“There are two routes leading to the prison: Ori Awo and Awe GRA routes. These men mounted roadblocks along those two routes and some others entered the prison on foot. 

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“Their plan was to free as many inmates as possible alongside the two convicted inmates of Okeho robbery, so it would be impossible to shoot at them until they trekked back to the roadblocks.”

Meanwhile, Amos’ hearing was billed for Monday, October 25, at the federal high court in Ibadan.

While speaking with FIJ on Sunday, Anjorin refused to confirm the identity of high-profile inmates that were still missing, stating that it would breach the security of the prison.

However, he noted that Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister of Interior, would visit later in the day and more updates would be provided.