-Authorities say 2 inmates escaped
BY: Shallon S.Gonlor
NIMBA COUNTY — Two male inmates allegedly escaped from the Sanniquellie Central Prison early Tuesday morning, authorities said.
Following an alleged jail escape at the Sanniquellie Central Prison, WOMENVOICES launched a fact-checking with the Ministry of Justice, Bureau of Correction Director for prison, S. Sainlesseh Kwaidah who confirmed the hiding situation at the prison.
He identified the two inmates as pre-trial detainees. The jail escape included Richardson Harris jailed for the commission of the crime of armed robbery and criminal facilitation, and Jeremiah David accused of illegal possession of narcotic drugs respectively.
According to the Prison Director, S. Sainlesseh Kwaidah, the inmates made their way out of the prison facility through the fence on early Tuesday morning, April 3, 2024.
Speaking Saturday via telephone with WOMENVOICES, Mr. Kwaidah said he has communicated to law enforcement agencies and boarders in Nimba County and around the Republic of Liberia ordering a general arrest for the two jail escapes.
Director Kwaidah stated that the two male inmates could be anywhere in Liberia and that he’s not sure whether they’re still together or have split up.
He noted that general arrest warrants are placed at every checkpoint in Liberia, thus asking for the public’s help in finding the two men who escaped from jail on Tuesday.
The two, Richardson Harris jailed for the commission of the crime of armed robbery and criminal facilitation, and Jeremiah David accused of illegal possession of narcotic drugs are at large as a vigorous manhunt is launched for their arrest after escaping prison.
Up to the present, it is not clear how the two men escaped the prison facility.
The Ministry of Justice, Bureau of Correction, and the joint law enforcement agencies of Liberia are working together on the search for the two inmates, posting their photos around, asking anyone in the public who has information regarding their whereabouts to get in touch with officers and authorities of law enforcement officers of the Republic of Liberia.
The escape also comes amid troubling incidents within the Sanniquellie Central Prison where WOMENVOICES independent survey revealed unsanitary and unsafe conditions; deteriorating facilities; overcrowding; and understaffing among others.
The Ministry of Justice, Bureau of Correction Prison Director, S. Sainlesseh Kwaidah averred further that investigations are looking into how the two men were able to get outside from jail.
An internal investigation will determine what led to the escape but conditions at the prison are said to be deplorable with inmates due to overcrowding, the lack of adequate health care, and good food.
Constructed a few years ago, the Sanniquellie Central Prison was built to host less than a hundred persons but has a congested prison facility accommodating over 300 inmates, including convicts and pre-trial detainees.
