Correctional Service denies claims of stealing inmate’s N120m valuables at Kuje prison
NCoS says reports of robbery during search operation are false, insists no prohibited valuables were declared or recovered
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed reports alleging that an inmate at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre was robbed of valuables worth over N120 million, describing the claims as false, misleading and inconsistent with prison regulations.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied allegations that officials at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, stole personal valuables worth over N120 million from an inmate during a routine search operation.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, described the reports as false, misleading and inconsistent with the operational procedures guiding custodial centres across the country.
“The allegation is false, misleading and inconsistent with the operational realities and established procedures governing custodial facilities in the country,” Osuji stated.
According to the Service, the incident in question involved a routine security search conducted professionally and in line with standard operating procedures aimed at maintaining order, discipline and security within the facility.
The NCoS explained that all prohibited items recovered during the exercise were properly documented and processed in accordance with existing regulations.
The Service further noted that inmates are not permitted to keep unauthorised items or large sums of money while in custody. It added that all belongings declared by inmates upon admission are officially documented and safely kept until discharge or lawful release.
Osuji disclosed that records available at the custodial centre showed that the valuables mentioned in the media reports were never declared by the inmate at the time of admission and were also not discovered during the search operation.
“There is no official record supporting the allegation that the said prohibited valuables were in the custody of the inmate(s) within the facility,” she said.
The NCoS also maintained that the items allegedly stolen fall under prohibited contraband within custodial facilities, stressing that inmates are not allowed to possess such materials under any circumstance.
According to the Service, any unauthorised introduction or possession of such items within a correctional facility constitutes a violation of custodial regulations.
The agency further revealed that no formal or informal complaint regarding theft or loss had been submitted by the inmate involved, any other inmate, or any individual connected to the facility through official complaint channels.
“The Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, is calm, peaceful and secure,” Osuji added.
The Correctional Service urged members of the public and media organisations to avoid spreading sensational and unverified reports capable of undermining confidence in public institutions.
It also advised journalists to verify sensitive information through official channels in the interest of responsible and accurate reporting.
