Nigerian national Tony Obina, convicted in Liberia in a major drug-trafficking case, has reportedly been recaptured after escaping from the Kakata Central Prison in Margibi County.
Obina was among a number of inmates who fled the correctional facility on Sunday, September 20, 2026, following a jailbreak confirmed by Liberia’s Ministry of Justice.
West Trybe News Media published a video showing Obina and another man being escorted back to the prison after they were reportedly found by local residents. Obina was seen in the footage wearing only blue boxers as he was taken back to the correctional facility.
The reported recapture came after Liberia’s Ministry of Justice confirmed the prison break and announced a security operation to locate the escapees.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said the jailbreak at Kakata Central Prison had resulted in the escape of several inmates.
“The Ministry of Justice informs the public that a jailbreak has occurred at the Kakata Central Prison in Margibi County, resulting in the escape of a number of inmates from the facility,” the statement said.
The ministry said the Joint Security of Liberia had launched an operation to track down and recapture the escapees, while the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation was reviewing prison records to determine the exact number and identities of the inmates who fled.
According to the ministry, the names and other identifying details of the escapees would be released after the verification process to help security agencies and members of the public identify and locate them.
Authorities also urged residents to remain vigilant and report information about the whereabouts of escaped inmates to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
The ministry warned members of the public against attempting to apprehend or shelter any of the escapees.
Obina had recently been convicted by a 12-member jury of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Margibi County in connection with a major drug-trafficking case.
He was convicted alongside two officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Joe Logan and Lovette Flowers. The case reportedly involved narcotics valued at approximately US$181,008 and more than L$63.2 million.
Reports indicated that Obina and other escapees were apprehended by community members and security personnel while allegedly attempting to flee the area following the prison break.
The Liberian Ministry of Justice said the Joint Security would continue efforts to recapture the remaining escapees and provide further updates on the situation.
Credit – The Daily Times
