A man who allegedly escaped from the Chaguanas Police Station last week told a magistrate he left the station because police officers had held him for nothing.

Jonathan Mohammed, of Cunupia, yesterday pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody. But after his explanation, First Court Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John entered a not guilty plea.

Mohammed was in police custody being questioned about a key. He and two other men allegedly escaped the police station by breaking the locks on a door leading out the side of the building.

Mohammed, a 23-year-old straightener, was recaptured around midday on Wednesday at a house in Kelly Village, Caroni.

Yesterday, Forde-John placed Mohammed on $10,000 bail. He will next appear in court on October 7. Officer Asraph Haspoodeen laid the charge.

Ansa Ahamad, 21, is also charged with escaping lawful custody and damaging the police station locks.

Ahamad, of Arena Road, Freeport, was also charged with armed robbery. He is accused of stealing a $75,000 Hyundai Sonata from Kenny Arjoon at Woodford Lodge, Railway Road, last Wednesday.

The magistrate granted him $65,000 bail and ordered he return on October 6.

The escape has sparked an investigation, in which five officers on duty at the time of the alleged escape are facing disciplinary charges. The officers include a sergeant, corporal and three constables.