Police arrest arson suspect who fled Hulhumale' Hospital during emergency visit

A prisoner who escaped from Hulhumale' Hospital on Thursday while being taken in for emergency treatment has been found and taken back into custody, the Maldives Police Service said Thursday evening.

According to Maldives Correctional Service, Hussain Shahban, 29, of Shabnam House, L. Maabaidhoo, fled after being brought to Hulhumale' Hospital for emergency care. Shahban is the suspect in an arson case in Male' City. The fire in question broke out at Hiyaaroadhi, a house in Galolhu, on March 18. He was arrested on suspicion of arson and destruction of property and was ordered to remain in custody pending trial.

Police said he was located on Thursday, taken back into custody, and handed over to the Correctional Service.

Escapes during hospital visits have been unusually frequent this year. A similar incident occurred last week when a man held at Male' Custodial escaped on the 13th of this month while receiving treatment at IGMH. He was found five days later, on Monday.

Earlier this month, police also recaptured a man who escaped from custody in GA. Villingili.