Prison Authorities Reject Maid Who Preferred To Remain In Their Custody

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

It was a double jeopardy for a 26-year old house maid, Mary Atte who was released from prison custody recently but refused and pleaded that she should be send back to the prison.

Her wish has been denied as the prison officials rejected her and sent her out of the Kirikiri Prison, Lagos.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that Atte was sent away after the officials were informed that the court ordered her release and struck out her matter.

Our correspondent learnt when she was informed of her rejection, she broke down in tears and lamented that she had no place to go and wanted to be in the prison custody.

It was right then that a senior prison official explained to her that they cannot allow her in because there was no document from court that ordered her remand in prison.

She was advised to go and find a means to go back to her home town. It was then she left the prison dejected.

P.M.EXPRESS had earlier reported that Atte was arrested and charged before Isolo Magistrate’s court and remanded in prison for allegedly stealing her boss  N2 million.

However, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs A.K Shonubi struck out the matter for lack of diligent prosecution by the police and she was released to go home.

But she refused and said she preferred to go back and stay there in good faith.

The young lady explained in the open court that the prison condition was far better for her than when she was outside and would continue to remain there for its comfort.

The shocking request amused the litigants present in court.

When the Magistrate set her free, she became angry and protested openly in court that she was going back to prison and she actually went back as she said.

Before she joined the prison bus back to prison, Atte told our correspondent that she was brought to Lagos from her village in Benue State by her sister she simply called Ester.

But her wish did not materialized as her whereabouts was not yet know as good Samaritans who heard the story are looking for her to assist her all to non avail.