12 Inmates Escape in Kogi Jailbreak, Government Launches Manhunt

Kotonkarfe, Kogi State – A wave of panic swept through Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, on Monday morning after twelve inmates escaped from the Federal Correctional Centre in a daring jailbreak.

The shocking incident, which has raised serious security concerns, prompted an immediate response from the Kogi State Government and law enforcement agencies.

Describing the incident as “unfortunate,” Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, assured the public that security forces have launched a manhunt for the fugitives and are working tirelessly to prevent a recurrence.

“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns,” Fanwo stated.

“This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, apprehend the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system.”

In a glimmer of hope, one of the twelve escapees has been re-arrested, though the whereabouts of the remaining eleven fugitives remain unknown. Security agencies have intensified their search efforts, setting up surveillance and deploying personnel across key exit routes and neighboring communities.

Governor Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to strengthen measures at the facility and ensure that such a security breach does not occur again.

As the search intensifies, the Kogi State Government has issued a stern warning to individuals who may attempt to harbour or assist the escapees.

“We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harbouring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” Fanwo warned.

Despite the alarming development, authorities assured residents that there was no cause for panic.

“We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority,” Fanwo added.

The jailbreak has raised critical concerns about security lapses within Nigerian correctional facilities, with many questioning how a dozen inmates managed to escape undetected.

This is not the first jailbreak in Kotonkarfe Prison, which has witnessed similar breaches in the past, underscoring persistent security challenges in the country’s correctional system.

As the investigation unfolds, pressure is mounting on authorities to apprehend the fugitives swiftly and address systemic failures to prevent future occurrences.

The Kogi State Police Command, Nigerian Correctional Service, and other security agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest authorities.

Two Nigerians, Four Others Face 62 Years in U.S. Prison Over $50M Fraud Allegations

Two Nigerians, Solomon Aluko and Nosakhare Nobore, alongside four other individuals, are facing the possibility of 62 years in prison each after being arraigned before a New York court on allegations of defrauding the United States government of $50 million.

According to court documents obtained from the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) website, the accused were charged with multiple financial crimes, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the government, and aggravated identity theft.

The suspects reportedly carried out the fraudulent scheme between March 2020 and March 2025 across various locations in the United States, including the Southern District of New York.

The charge sheet reveals that the accused individuals allegedly stole personal information and identities of individuals and businesses, using them to open fraudulent bank accounts. These accounts were then used to deposit fake, stolen, and fraudulently obtained cheques from various U.S. government agencies.

Once the funds were deposited, they were either withdrawn in cash or transferred to other accounts controlled by the syndicate. The court documents indicate that the group attempted to steal $80 million in total but successfully deposited around $50 million before authorities intervened.

Additionally, the suspects reportedly created a “fraud bible” containing detailed instructions on how each member of the syndicate should operate. Investigators also discovered that the syndicate used a Telegram group to coordinate their fraudulent activities in real time.

U.S. law enforcement agencies have condemned the alleged fraudulent activities of the suspects.

FBI Acting Assistant Director, Leslie R. Backschies, described the operation as a multi-year scheme aimed at exploiting the American financial system.

“These six defendants allegedly used sham businesses, stolen, and fake identities to operate a multi-year cheque fraud scheme, resulting in $50 million in illicit funds being deposited into their accounts. The defendants brazenly attempted to exploit multiple United States government programs in their attempts to illegally enrich themselves,” Backschies stated.

Similarly, U.S. IRS Special Agent Harry Chavis criticized the accused for targeting public assistance programs meant for the vulnerable.

“This group of suspects openly communicated about their fraud, taking pride in the multiple schemes that stole nearly $50 million from the American public. They lied and cheated a benefits system meant to help struggling businesses, while also stealing cheques from agencies that assist the elderly and veterans. This gang of ‘bag hunters’ will now face justice for multiple charges.”

The accused individuals, who were named in the indictment, include:

• Solomon Aluko (29) – Hackensack, New Jersey

• Nosakhare Nobore (29) – Edgewater, New Jersey

• Anand (34) – Queens, New York

• Pappas (28) – Miami, Florida

• Ujkic (44) – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

• Gonzalez (28) – North Bergen, New Jersey

Each suspect faces up to 62 years in prison if convicted of all charges, which include:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud (30 years)

• Conspiracy to commit money laundering (20 years)

• Conspiracy to defraud the government (10 years)

• Aggravated identity theft (mandatory 2 years)

While the charges against the defendants are serious, the U.S. Department of Justice has emphasized that they remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided for informational purposes only. Any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge,” the DoJ statement clarified.

The indictment of Aluko, Nobore, and their alleged co-conspirators highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. law enforcement to crack down on financial fraud. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case is expected to attract significant attention, particularly given the staggering amount of money involved.

If convicted, the six suspects could spend decades behind bars for their alleged crimes.

_Tribalism in Nigeria: A Multi-Faceted Menace_ By George O. Sylvester

Tribalism, a perennial curse, has entrenched itself in Nigeria’s fabric, yielding a complex harvest of discord, division, and underdevelopment. This hydra-headed monster transcends ethnic and religious lines, perpetuating a cycle of bad governance that respects no boundaries.

*The Seeds of Tribalism*

Nigeria’s colonial legacy and post-independence leadership have cultivated an environment conducive to tribalism. Artificial boundaries, imposed by colonial powers, forcibly united diverse ethnic groups, fostering an atmosphere of competition and mistrust.

*Multi-Dimensional Yield*

The consequences of tribalism are far-reaching:
1. *Ethnic Politics*: Voting patterns often follow ethnic lines, rather than policy or merit.
2. *Resource Distribution*: Access to resources and opportunities is frequently determined by tribal affiliation.
3. *Social Fragmentation*: Inter-ethnic relationships are strained, hindering national cohesion.
4. *Economic Stagnation*: Tribalism discourages investment, innovation, and progress.

*Bad Governance: A Unifying Factor*

The effects of poor leadership know no tribal or religious boundaries:
1. *Inequality*: Economic disparities plague all regions, regardless of ethnicity.
2. *Insecurity*: Crime and violence affect citizens across tribal lines.
3. *Infrastructure Decay*: Neglect of public infrastructure harms all communities.
4. *Corruption*: Embezzlement and graft benefit select individuals, not entire tribes.

*The Way Forward*

To eradicate tribalism’s stranglehold:
1. *Inclusive Governance*: Leaders must prioritize national interests over ethnic loyalty.
2. *Education and Enlightenment*: Promote cultural understanding, tolerance, and civic education.
3. *Economic Empowerment*: Foster equal access to opportunities and resources.
4. *National Unity*: Encourage inter-ethnic dialogue, cooperation, and shared identity.

Tribalism’s insidious roots must be uprooted. Nigerians must recognize their shared humanity and collective aspirations. By embracing inclusivity, accountability, and good governance, the nation can overcome this debilitating legacy.

*Recommendations*
1. Establish a National Unity Commission to promote inter-ethnic understanding.
2. Implement policies ensuring equal resource distribution and access.
3. Encourage civic education and critical thinking in schools.
4. Foster public-private partnerships for economic development.

*References*
1. Achebe, C. (1983). The Trouble with Nigeria.
2. Falola, T. (1999). The History of Nigeria.
3. Osaghae, E. E. (1998). Crippled Giant: Nigeria Since Independence.