by Isi Esene

There was a mild drama at the Delta State High Court, Asaba, on Monday, as two convicted criminals, Elvis Agbofodo (aka Fete) and Frank Okedema escaped from the court premises after sentencing.

The two convicts escaped just after being pronounced guilty of a two count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery by the Court.

The incident caused a temporary disruption of proceedings, as the judge, lawyers and court officials scampered for safety.

They were, however, rearrested by residents of the neighbourhood who, with the help of prison guards apprehended the escapee convicts in separate locations.

Read the PM News report below:

Elvis who was arrested about 100 meters away from the Court, suffered gunshot injuries while his partner in crime, Frank was arrested unhurt. Prisons officials confirmed that the wounded convict [Elvis] was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

The convicts who were transferred to Asaba from Ekpan in Uwvie Local Government Area of the State, were said to have on July 8, 2010 unleashed terror on residents of Ekpan, including one Mrs. Omatseye Mercy, robbing them of valuables and various sums of cash.

They were also accused of raping women and illegally stockpiling arms, just as they were accused of causing mayhem in the area as they engaged a rival group in shoot-out over N40 million royalty paid by an oil company operating in the area.