Osinachi’s husband didn’t escape during Kuje prison attack, says NCoS

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed reports that Peter Nwachukwu, husband of Osinachi, the late gospel singer, escaped from custody during the recent attack on the Kuje custodial centre in Abuja.

On July 5, gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents attacked the prison, freeing prisoners some of who are members of the terror group.

Bashir Magashi, minister of defence, had said all 64 members of the terror group escaped.

Shortly after the attack, a report had claimed Nwachukwu escaped alongside Hamisu Bala, the suspected kidnap kingpin, better known as Wadume.

But speaking with NAN on Tuesday, Chukwuedo Humphrey, spokesperson of the NCoS in the federal capital territory (FCT), said the two inmates are still in custody.

“The story is false, reckless and mischievous. They are still in custody. Efforts are ongoing to recapture all fleeing inmates,” he said.

“The Controller-General, NCoS, Haliru Nababa, is determined to continue to upscale inmates’ welfare and safety.”

The federal government had filed a 23-count charge against Nwachukwu over the death of Osinachi.

The gospel singer, who passed away on April 8, was initially thought to have died of throat cancer.

But associates claimed it may be connected to an assault by her husband who was later arrested.