Ghanaian national, facing deportation, escapes UK custody for second time

A prisoner from Ghana, who is slated for deportation from the United Kingdom, has gone on the run for a second time in less than a week. Daniel Boakye, 21, who has a conviction for robbery, reportedly vanished while being taken to the hospital.

According to reports, Boakye initially went missing from HMP Feltham last Tuesday but was located the following day at an address in south-east London. However, it has now been confirmed that he escaped again on Sunday, February 15, after evading officers at Lewisham hospital.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated that officers were searching for the 21-year-old who absconded from the hospital around 3:05 PM on Sunday, February 15. Boakye was under police custody and receiving medical attention at the time of his escape. Officers pursued him but were unable to detain him before he left the premises.

Boakye is described as black, of medium height, and slim build. He was last seen wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a dark Nike jacket. Police are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact them immediately on 999, quoting CAD4005/15FEB. Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Metropolitan Police indicated that its Directorate of Professional Standards is aware of the incident and that a review is underway to understand the circumstances of the escape.

Boakye, previously residing at Alma Road, Enfield, received a sentence of six years and five months in July 2023 for conspiracy to commit robbery and another robbery offence. He is also understood to be involved in drill rapping.

Authorities had previously confirmed Boakye's disappearance from a west London hospital on February 10 while under the supervision of prison staff. Investigations revealed that between June 2021 and January 2022, Boakye, along with three other teenagers, engaged in a series of robberies and attempted robberies across London. The group reportedly used knives to steal mobile phones and their passcodes, subsequently transferring over £115,000 in cryptocurrency to their own 'hot wallets'. They also used stolen bank details for fraudulent transactions, including purchasing top-up cards and paying for taxi services.