A man arrested for allegedly raping a teenager escaped from police custody in Rivers State while officers took him to revisit the crime scene.
The suspect's getaway has triggered a manhunt as police intensify efforts to recapture him. Details of exactly how he managed to slip away during the supervised visit remain unclear, but the escape has raised questions about security procedures during such reconstructions.
Police in Rivers have not yet released the suspect's name or full details of the alleged assault. The teenager at the centre of the case has reportedly been receiving medical attention since the incident came to light.
The escape comes at a time when law enforcement agencies across Nigeria face mounting criticism over security lapses in custody. In recent months, several high-profile suspects have managed to flee police facilities, leading to calls for better training and equipment at holding cells.
Rivers State Police Command has appealed to members of the public to report any sightings of the suspect to the nearest police station. Officers have mounted roadblocks at major exit points from Port Harcourt and surrounding areas in an effort to prevent him from leaving the state.
