A suspect who set his mother on fire after tense spat over his girlfriend has fled custody.

Musa Ceesay, 25, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly setting his mother, Jainaba Janneh, on fire after disagreeing with her decision not to allow his girlfriend to stay in the house.

However, police have confirmed the escape of the suspect, but added that a manhunt has been launched to arrest him. 

“The Gambia Police Force can confirm that Musa Ceesay, a suspect arrested in connection with an arson case in Sukuta, has escaped from police custody. 

“The incident occurred when the suspect was escorted to a toilet facility, where he managed to escape through the roof. A pursuit has been initiated to re-apprehend the suspect,” police said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba