The Sierra Leone Police is offering rewards for the recapture of the prisoners who escaped from multiple facilities in Freetown on Sunday. In a press release, the police announced that investigations into the incident are ongoing, with the Criminal Investigations Department leading the inquiry. They are urging the escaped prisoners to turn themselves in at the nearest police station, warning that failure to do so will result in arrest and prosecution for “Escape from Lawful Custody.”
Additionally, the police are calling on the general public to come forward with any relevant information that could assist in the investigation. To incentivize cooperation, a reward of Fifty Thousand New Leones (50,000 NLe) will be granted to anyone providing useful information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the assailants involved in the security breach. An extra reward of Ten Thousand New Leones (10,000 NLe) will be given for the apprehension of the prisoners unlawfully released from the correctional centers and police stations.
Normalcy is gradually being restored in Freetown, with vehicles and motorbikes returning to the streets. However, most shops in the central business districts remain closed, and schools have suspended activities for today. The curfew has been revised, now starting from 9 pm and ending at 6 am every day.
According to Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information, several individuals involved in the unrest, including current and retired military officers, have already been arrested. The security forces are actively pursuing those who are still at large.
In a tragic incident, a close protection officer of former President Ernest Bai Koroma was fatally shot at the Femi Turner Residence. President Koroma has condemned the Sunday attacks through a written statement.
President Julius Maada Bio addressed the nation via television broadcast, assuring the citizens that his government is fully committed to safeguarding democracy and maintaining peace.
