Nigerian Kidnap Convict Escapes UK Prison, Sparks National Manhunt and Political Uproar

The United Kingdom is in turmoil after a convicted Nigerian kidnapper, 36-year-old Ola Abimbola, escaped from an open prison in Sussex, sparking a full-scale police manhunt and reigniting fierce debate over the government’s prison transfer policy. Abimbola, who was serving a 21-year sentence for conspiracy to kidnap, grievous bodily harm, blackmail, and false imprisonment, vanished from HMP Ford on the morning of October 10. According to official reports, he simply walked out of the low-security facility around 8 a.m. and has not been seen since. His disappearance has become a flashpoint in British politics, raising serious questions about prison management, public safety, and the government’s controversial approach to easing prison overcrowding.

Abimbola, who was jailed after what prosecutors described as a “chilling and violent” kidnapping plot, had only recently been transferred to the open prison under new Labour government rules designed to reduce the population in higher-security prisons. The policy allows inmates to move to Category D, or “open” prisons, much earlier in their sentences than before — even if they are not near release or have not yet demonstrated strong rehabilitation progress. Under the old system, Abimbola would not have been eligible for transfer for another six years, a difference that is now under sharp scrutiny.

Open prisons like HMP Ford operate with minimal physical barriers and a system based largely on trust, granting prisoners more freedom to work and prepare for reintegration into society. Inmates can sometimes leave for day jobs or education programs before returning later in the day, and staff supervision is far lighter than in traditional facilities. But Abimbola’s disappearance has cast doubt on whether such privileges are being extended too soon and to the wrong kinds of offenders. Critics argue that the government’s desperate bid to reduce overcrowding has come at the cost of public safety, with dangerous criminals being placed in environments meant for low-risk inmates.

Sussex Police confirmed that Abimbola remains at large and urged the public not to approach him if sighted, warning that he could be dangerous. A police spokesperson stated that “a thorough and extensive search is underway,” involving multiple agencies across the region. Authorities have appealed for anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact emergency services immediately via 999. Despite these efforts, police admit that there have been no confirmed sightings or leads since the morning of his escape. The delay in tracking him down has only fueled public frustration and political outrage, as opposition parties accuse the government of negligence.

The situation has placed immense pressure on Justice Secretary David Lammy, who is already facing a storm of criticism following recent blunders within the prison system. Just weeks before Abimbola’s escape, two foreign sex offenders and a convicted British fraudster were mistakenly released from custody due to administrative errors. Those incidents had already sparked warnings that the justice system was “on the brink,” and Abimbola’s escape has now become another symbol of what critics call “systemic collapse.”

Conservative MP Jonathan Gullis described the escape as “an utter disgrace,” saying that “the government’s reckless soft-touch policies are putting the public in harm’s way.” Meanwhile, Labour officials have tried to deflect blame, insisting that the transfer policy was based on expert risk assessments and aimed at rehabilitating prisoners while addressing overcrowding in high-security jails. But even within the ranks of prison administrators, concerns are mounting that the system is being stretched too thin and that key safety protocols are being overlooked.

Mark Drury, a senior member of the Prison Governors’ Association, warned that the rise in absconders from open prisons is no coincidence. “We are seeing people placed in open conditions who, two or three years ago, would never have been considered suitable,” he said. “There is clear political pressure to free up space in secure facilities, but that pressure is leading to decisions that compromise safety and trust.” Drury’s statement reflects growing unease among prison officials who feel caught between government directives and operational realities.

The Ministry of Justice has attempted to reassure the public, releasing a statement defending its policies. A spokesperson emphasized that every transfer is “subject to a strict and comprehensive risk assessment,” and that “any prisoner who fails to comply with open prison rules can be immediately returned to closed conditions.” The ministry added that the number of escapes from open prisons remains low in historical terms, though critics argue that even a handful of such cases involving violent offenders is unacceptable.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Abimbola’s escape may have been planned in advance. According to sources cited by local media, prison staff discovered after the fact that he had been in frequent contact with associates outside the facility, possibly coordinating his exit. Authorities are investigating whether he may have received help from outside accomplices, as well as how he managed to walk out of HMP Ford without detection.

Abimbola’s original conviction dates back to several years ago, following a major investigation that uncovered a criminal network involved in kidnapping and extortion. Prosecutors said he played a central role in orchestrating the abduction of a businessman for ransom, during which the victim was held and tortured. The case shocked communities in both the UK and Nigeria, highlighting the reach of organized crime networks operating across borders. His sentencing judge had described him as a “man of considerable danger to the public,” a characterization that now haunts the government’s decision to move him to a facility with almost no physical restraints.

The manhunt continues across multiple counties, with roadblocks, surveillance teams, and border alerts in effect. Police are said to be working with the National Crime Agency and Interpol, amid fears that Abimbola might attempt to flee the country. Officials have not ruled out the possibility that he could try to return to Nigeria or move elsewhere in Europe using false documentation.

Public confidence in the justice system appears to be waning, as the story dominates headlines and talk shows across the UK. Many Britons have expressed disbelief that someone convicted of such serious crimes could have been placed in an open prison environment in the first place. On social media, the phrase “#FordPrisonEscape” has trended for days, with commentators calling for tighter controls, ministerial resignations, and a full review of the open prison policy.

As the search for Ola Abimbola continues, the case has become more than just a manhunt — it has evolved into a test of credibility for the entire British justice system. The government now faces a critical moment: either tighten its policies and restore public trust, or risk being remembered for the era when dangerous criminals were allowed to simply walk away. For now, the fugitive remains at large, the questions multiply, and the public waits anxiously for answers — and for justice to catch up with the man who slipped through the system’s cracks.