The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, on Tuesday vowed that the Federal Government will pardon any prisoner who escaped from the custodial centre in Owerri, Imo State and decides to return voluntarily.
The former Governor of Osun State stated this while inspecting the centre on Tuesday following an attack on the correctional facility.
Aregbesola in his statement described unlawful escape from correctional centres as a crime but promised that prisoners who voluntarily return will pardoned.
He added that the Federal Government will do everything possible to bring to justice the criminals.
“Unlawful escape from custody is a crime but the government in its magnanimity will grant amnesty to prisoners who wilfully return.”
“They will no longer be charged with unlawful escape but only for the initial crimes that took them to prison. So, we urge all escapees to return before they are caught on the run.”
Meanwhile, gunmen on Tuesday attacked and burnt down another police station in Imo State shortly after Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and outgoing Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu departed Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Naija News understands the gunmen razed Ehime Mbano Local Government Area Divisional Police Headquarters.