The incident was said to have occurred between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Residents of Cajah Estate in New Karshi, Nasarawa State, have accused the police of deliberately aiding the escape of a notorious criminal identified simply as Doyin, who reportedly fled from custody at the New Karshi Police Station on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Sources within the estate told SaharaReporters that the suspect, infamous for terrorising residents with repeated break-ins and theft, was arrested for allegedly stealing an air conditioner after breaking into a home.
However, instead of being prosecuted, the police allegedly accepted money from him and orchestrated a sham “escape” to cover up his release.
The incident was said to have occurred between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
“This man has been disturbing the peace of our community. He was finally arrested, only for the police to collect money from him and then claim he escaped,” one angry resident said.
“We are not happy at all. The Crime Record Officer (CRO) of the station is being accused of deliberately letting him go.”
According to the residents, the police narrative that the suspect “escaped from lawful custody” is a fabrication designed to shield officers who allegedly benefited financially from releasing him.
Another resident who spoke on the matter insisted that the community will not remain silent while criminals are recycled back onto their streets by those meant to protect them.
“How can a known thief be arrested, only for the police to free him and pretend he escaped? This shows the rot in the system. They know what they did,” he said.
The escape has heightened tension in Cajah Estate, where residents say the suspect has long operated with impunity, breaking into homes and stealing valuable items.
Residents are calling for an urgent and transparent investigation, insisting that those responsible for aiding the suspect’s release must be held accountable.
When contacted by SaharaReporters, the Nasarawa State Police Command spokesperson, SP Ramahan Nansel, said the Command has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged escape of a notorious suspect custody.
"The command has ordered an investigation into this and I assure you that the outcome will be made known," he said.