NCoS: “No inmate was robbed” during Kuje prison search

By Victor Idajili

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied reports that its officers stole valuables worth over N120 million from inmates during a search at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja.

In a statement issued on  Friday by spokesperson Jane Osuji, the Service called the allegations false and misleading. It said the operation was a routine security search carried out according to standard procedure, and that everything recovered was documented.

“The allegation is false and inconsistent with how our custodial facilities operate,” the statement read. “For the avoidance of doubt, this was a routine security search. All prohibited items found were processed and recorded.”

 
NCoS explained that inmates are not allowed to keep unauthorized items or large sums of money. Anything personal declared at admission is documented and kept safe until the inmate is released. 

The Service said its records from Kuje do not show that any of the items mentioned in the reports were declared by inmates, or found and logged during the search.

No inmate or anyone else has filed an official complaint about theft or missing valuables, it added. “The Kuje custodial centre remains calm, peaceful and secure.”

The denial follows a SaharaReporters report alleging that high-profile inmates were affected. The report claimed former Skye Bank chairman Tunde Ayeni lost a wedding ring and wristwatch worth over N120m, and suspended DCP Abba Kyari lost about N2m during the operation.

It also alleged that senior officers, backed by operatives and DSS dogs, caused panic and took valuables without proper documentation.

NCoS dismissed all of that. It urged media outlets and the public to confirm stories with official sources before publishing, saying unverified claims only damage trust in public institutions.

The Service said it remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and reforms to improve security and accountability in prisons nationwide.