122
By Oscar Okhifo,
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied reports alleging that inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje were robbed of valuables estimated at over ₦120 million during a recent routine search operation, insisting that no such incident was recorded at the facility.
In a statement released on Friday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections JN Osuji, the NCoS said the reports were inaccurate and did not reflect the realities of operations within custodial facilities across the country.
The Service explained that the exercise conducted at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre was a routine security operation aimed at strengthening order, discipline and overall safety within the facility in line with established operational guidelines.
According to the statement, all items recovered during the search were duly documented and handled in accordance with existing regulations guiding custodial operations.
The NCoS further clarified that inmates are not permitted to keep unauthorized items or large sums of money while in custody, stressing that valuables declared upon admission are properly recorded and kept safe until the inmate is discharged or lawfully released.
It added that records available at the Kuje custodial centre did not show that the alleged valuables were declared by any inmate at the point of admission, neither were such items recovered or officially recorded during the search exercise.
Meanwhile, some media reports had earlier alleged that heavily armed security operatives, reportedly wearing bulletproof gear and accompanied by dogs, stormed a VIP section of the facility during the operation.
The reports further claimed that valuables including an expensive wedding ring and wristwatch allegedly belonging to the detained former Group Managing Director of Skye Bank, Mr. Timothy Ayeni, were among items said to have gone missing, alongside other belongings reportedly linked to other VIP inmates.
It was also alleged in the reports that the detained banker was considering legal action over the alleged missing items, although this claim has not been independently verified.
However, the NCoS maintained that no official record supports any allegation of theft or missing valuables within the facility.
“Consequently, there is no official record supporting the allegation that the said prohibited valuables were in the custody of the inmate(s) within the facility,” the statement said.
The Service added that the items referenced in the reports fall under prohibited contraband within custodial facilities, stressing that “unauthorized possession of such items constitutes a breach of custodial regulations.”
It also stated that no inmate or any person linked to the custodial centre had filed either a formal or informal complaint regarding the alleged theft or disappearance of valuables through approved complaint channels.
“The Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, remains calm, peaceful and secure,” the statement added.
The Service therefore cautioned media organisations and members of the public against spreading sensational and unverified reports capable of misleading the public and undermining confidence in public institutions.
It urged journalists and stakeholders to seek clarification through official communication channels in the interest of fairness, professionalism and accuracy in reportage.
The Nigerian Correctional Service reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting the welfare and safety of inmates, and sustaining reforms aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and professionalism across custodial centres nationwide.