SAGAMU, Nigeria (AP) — Panic broke out Wednesday in the Isale-Oko area of Sagamu, Ogun State, when two prison inmates tried to escape after a court hearing but were quickly captured by security officers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The incident happened shortly after the suspects were brought out of the courtroom. Witnesses said the men suddenly made a run for freedom, causing confusion among people gathered around the court.

Security personnel, including prison warders and police officers, chased the inmates through nearby streets. The chase attracted attention from traders, residents, and passersby, many of whom thought a major security breakdown was underway.

“The prisoners ran very fast, and people were shouting,” said a witness who gave his name as Tunde. “For a moment, we thought they would escape, but the officers acted quickly.”

The inmates were rearrested within minutes, according to authorities. Officials confirmed that no one was injured and that the suspects were returned into custody without further disturbance.

Ogun State Police Command spokesperson Omolola Odutola said the situation was under control. “There was an attempted escape, but the suspects were rearrested immediately,” she told reporters. “There is no threat to public safety.”

Court workers said the incident happened as prisoners were being moved after their cases were mentioned. Security sources explained that escape attempts are not common in Sagamu, but prison transfers remain moments of risk because of the open environment.

Residents in the Isale-Oko area described the scene as dramatic. Some shopkeepers closed their stalls, thinking violence might erupt. Others ran inside buildings until the noise subsided.

“I thought it was a robbery at first,” said a market woman who asked not to be named. “When I saw uniformed officers chasing men in handcuffs, I realized it was prisoners. Everyone was scared for those few minutes.”

Authorities did not immediately reveal the identities of the inmates or the charges they are facing. It was not clear whether additional security measures will now be put in place during future court appearances.

In Nigeria, prison escapes and attempted jailbreaks have raised public concern in recent years. While large-scale prison breaks often make national headlines, smaller escape attempts like the one in Sagamu highlight the daily challenges faced by correctional officers.

Security experts say prisons and courtrooms are under pressure due to overcrowding, long trial delays, and limited resources. They warn that such conditions can increase the chances of desperate escape attempts.

Human rights groups have also called for reforms to reduce the number of inmates awaiting trial. Many prisons in Nigeria hold more people awaiting trial than those already convicted, putting strain on facilities and staff.

For residents of Sagamu, Wednesday’s scare was a reminder of wider security worries in the country. Ogun State has experienced tensions in the past over cult clashes, violent crime, and political unrest. The sudden dash of two prisoners only added to that sense of unease.

Despite the panic, authorities urged the public to remain calm. Police said normal activities in the Isale-Oko neighborhood resumed quickly after the inmates were caught.

Legal analysts said the suspects may now face new charges of attempted escape in addition to their original cases. Such offenses can carry extra penalties under Nigerian law.

“The system will not take this lightly,” said Lagos-based lawyer Akinwale Johnson. “An escape attempt inside or outside court is a serious matter. It shows disrespect for the law and endangers the public.”

As of Thursday, officials confirmed that the inmates remain in secure custody while investigations continue. No changes have been announced yet regarding how court transfers will be handled in Sagamu, but observers expect tighter measures in the coming weeks.