In a dramatic attempt to escape, two robbery suspects sustained severe injuries after jumping from a two-storey courtroom in Ibadan. The incident occurred at the Magistrate Court in Iyaganku, where the suspects had been arraigned.
The suspects, both 27 years old, have been held at the Agodi Correctional Centre since 2023, awaiting trial for their alleged crimes. According to reliable sources, the two men attempted to flee by jumping from the window of the courtroom, unaware of the building’s height. They landed on the concrete below, suffering life-threatening injuries.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the escape attempt was chaotic. “When the two of them jumped through the window, perhaps they didn’t realize how high the court building is. They landed heavily on the floor,” said one source. One of the suspects, dressed in a white vest, sustained a severe head injury with his skull fractured. The other suspect reportedly injured his spinal cord and was unable to stand, both writhing in pain on the ground.
The courtroom, which was in the process of adjourning the case, was thrown into disarray by the sudden noise. Prison officials quickly responded, rushing downstairs to attend to the injured men. They carried the suspect in the white vest into a waiting van for immediate medical attention. Both suspects were still handcuffed at the time of their escape attempt, suggesting a premeditated plan executed from different points.
The court, though momentarily distracted, proceeded to adjourn the case to July 8, 2024. The condition of the suspects remains critical, with one possibly facing a grim prognosis due to the severity of his injuries.
This incident underscores the challenges and risks associated with managing high-risk detainees during court proceedings. The swift response of the prison officials likely prevented further complications, but the event has raised concerns about security measures within court premises.
