Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has clarified a confusion on the identify of a Kuje escapee.
According to reports, Idris Ojo was one of those detained in connection with the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo, according to Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor.
The attack, which took place on June 5, 2022, claimed the lives of almost 40 worshipers.One month after the Owo incident, the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) seized Kuje Prison, and Ojo managed to escape.
In a statement Richard Olatunde, his spokesperson, signed on his behalf, Akeredolu clarified the situation, stating that the arrest of the escapee coincided with that of the church attackers, which is why there was a mix-up.
“The attention of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has been drawn to the announcement of Idris Ojo as one of the attackers of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, arrested by the security agencies.“
Governor Akeredolu acknowledged the confusion the statement has created in the public space, considering that the ugly event of June 5 attack in Owo preceded the unfortunate incident on Kuje prison.
“The Governor said there was a mix up in the announcement by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor. Governor Akeredolu explained that Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure.
“The announcement of the arrest of Idris Ojo as one of the perpetrators of the June 5 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo was a mix up from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.“
Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of the Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure. His brother, Jimoh Rasheed Ibrahim, received and accommodated him after his escape from Kuje prison.
“He was thereafter moved and kept in the custody of the security operatives at the same time the attackers of Owo Catholic Church were arrested and brought into custody. Hence, the mix up,” the statement read.
