Kuje Prison Escapee Not Part Of Owo Church Attackers – Akeredolu

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has said that a Kuje Prison escapee arrested was not part of the attackers of St Francis Catholic Church in Owo.

Speaking during a media parley on Tuesday in Abuja, Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, had announced the arrest of the killers of the church worshippers.

Irabor, however, listed a Kuje prison escapee, Idris Ojo among the suspects arrested for the attack on the church

Meanwhile, Ojo escaped from Kuje Prison when the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) invaded the facility exactly one month after the Owo attack.

Reacting, Akeredolu in a statement by his spokesman, Richard Olatunde, said the escapee was not part of the Owo attack, saying that the announcement by the Defence Chief was unfortunate.

The governor said the arrest of the escapee coincided with that of the church attackers, which led to the mix-up by the Defence Chief.

Governor Akeredolu added that Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of Kuje prison escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure.

He, however, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and give necessary support to the security agencies in the State.

The statement reads: “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 the 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.”