Two prison officers, Joseph Oteng and Sergeant Isaac Boateng Bonsu, have appeared in an Accra Circuit Court facing charges of conspiracy and aiding escape in connection with the escape of Chinese convict Wang Xiao from Nsawam Medium Prison.
According to reports, Oteng and Bonsu allegedly escorted Wang Xiao to a hotel where he met his wife, facilitating their escape through the hotel room’s balcony. Despite initially pleading not guilty, the accused have been granted bail of GhC100,000 each and are set to reappear in court on April 9, 2024.
Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, leading the prosecution, revealed that the accused had agreed to accompany Wang Xiao to meet his wife in exchange for a reward of GHC1,000. However, CCTV footage from the hotel contradicted the officers’ initial claims, showing them relaxing in the reception area while the convict and his wife escaped.
The prosecution further stated that the accused attempted to conceal evidence by hiding the handcuffs used to restrain Wang Xiao. Following investigations, the accused were interrogated by prison authorities before formal complaints were lodged with the police.
The case underscores the severity of aiding escape and the importance of upholding security protocols within correctional facilities.
