Accused Robber Tries to Escape in Prison Van, Foiled at Brikama Magistrates’ Court

By Staff Reporter Source: The Voice Newspaper

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on Thursday when an accused person attempted to hijack a prison vehicle and escape from custody. The foiled escape bid created brief chaos before the suspect was overpowered by prison officers on site. According to The Voice Newspaper, court clerk Mariama Sonko, who witnessed the incident firsthand, said the accused—identified as Ebou Secka, a robbery suspect—tried to seize control of a prison minivan belonging to Mile Two Central Prison shortly after appearing in court. “He [Secka] hit the prison driver in an attempt to gain control of the steering wheel and flee the premises,” Sonko told The Voice. “There were so many people around the vehicle—if he had succeeded, many lives could have been in danger.” Sonko recounted that as the accused struck the driver, a physical struggle ensued between the two. Both men fell to the ground, and Secka made a run for it but was quickly apprehended by other prison officers. Also speaking to The Voice, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Lamin Kanteh, an orderly to the Chairperson of Brikama Area Council, confirmed that his team rushed to the scene to help restore order. “As soon as we saw the tension rising, we deployed our officers immediately to ensure the accused was restrained and returned to custody,” ASP Kanteh said. “The prison driver managed to hold onto the steering wheel, which prevented Secka from taking full control of the vehicle.” With the combined efforts of prison and local council security officers, Secka was subdued and returned to Mile Two Central Prison without further incident. ASP Kanteh used the opportunity to remind the public of the critical role played by law enforcement officers in maintaining peace and security. “Respect for officers is essential,” he stressed. “Our job is to ensure safety for all, and situations like this show just how unpredictable things can get.” The matter continues to unfold as investigations progress.