Freetown Central Prison

Many prisoners were subject to prolonged stays in holding cells because of a massive backlog in court cases.

[1] The present Freetown Central Prison, located on Pademba Road, was founded on 14 March 1914, by the British colonial authorities.

[2] The escapees were armed with a pistol, which they fired close to the prison's main gate, causing the guards to flee.

[2] National director of jails, Moses Showers, was sacked following the break out and 18 people, including prison officers, were arrested.

[2] In 2013, with the prison population sitting at over 1000, against a design capacity of just 300 inmates, the government initiated proposals to relocate it.