The Office of National Security (ONS) Sierra Leone has warned that harbouring escapees from prison and police custody is a grave crime that will see accomplice charged with Aiding and Abetting.

Director of Communications in the ONS, Abdul Karim Will said Police will soon announce a grace period for escapees to report themselves to the Police.

He advised that if an escapee turns himself in, it will be at his/her own interest but that if they allowed themselves to be traced and captured, they will first complete their initial charge(s) and then be charged additionally for Escaping from Custody.

He said: “For those who escaped from police custody in police stations, if you turn yourselves in, you might even not be guilty of the charge you are detain on. The police will soon release a comprehensive list of escapees for the public to be aware.

“The Sunday’s attack has left Sierra Leone on Security Level 2 with a growing threat on the State. We are working towards restoring normalcy”.

Head of Media and Public Relations in the Sierra Leone Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Brima Kamara, said the police are currently on serious manhunt to ensure they get back all the escapees that were freed from the various police cells and the Correctional Centre on Pademba Road in Freetown.

He said escaping from lawful custody, whether it is from the prison or police cells is an office, adding; “We are encouraging you all escapees to turn yourselves in and continue with your current charge(s) and avoid running new charge(s).

He commended Alhaji Amadu Bah (LAJ) for reaching out to the police and turning himself in while also encouraging other escapees that turning themselves in will clearly tell the police that they had no intention to escape custody.

“If you fail to turn yourself in and allow us to go after you, when you are arrested, you will face additional charges. Some arrests have been made but we will not disclose any further information now for some security reasons”.

He announced 119 for the National Security Situation Room (on all networks) and 900 for the Police for Africell subscribers only, as Toll Free Emergency Lines to report any strange happenings within communities.