Nigerian national escapes custody of immigration officers, threatens healthcare workers

Benjamin Ukomuo, a Nigerian national, was remanded to prison on Monday after he was accused of escaping the custody of Immigration Officers and threatening medical workers with a pair of scissors.

Ukomuo appeared before Chief Magistrate (acting) Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. There, he answered charges relating to his escape and threatening behaviour.

It is alleged that the man escaped detention while he was in custody at the Central Immigration and Passport Office at Camp Road, Georgetown last Monday.

Ukomuo was there awaiting deportation but complained to Police Officers that he was unwell. Resultantly, the ranks called an ambulance so the man could receive medical attention.

As he was receiving care from health workers in the ambulance, the man allegedly picked up a pair of scissors from the table and threatened to kill the health workers.

The defendant was arrested sometime after and was charged.

On Monday, Ukomuo pleaded guilty but offered an explanation. He told the Court that he did not threaten anyone with the scissors but instead he took the scissors to cut his pants since it was tight and he was not feeling well.

Bail was refused and Ukomuo was remanded to prison until August 14 for statements.