Nigeria Correctional Service Addresses Allegations of Theft at Kuje Facility
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has refuted claims that inmates at the Medium Security Storage Center in Kuje were robbed of valuables totaling over R120 million during a recent search operation. The agency insists that no such incident occurred at the facility.
In a statement released on Friday by Corrections Commissioner JN Osuji, the NCoS characterized the reports as misleading and asserted that they do not accurately reflect the conditions within detention facilities nationwide. The operation at the Kuje facility was described as a standard security measure aimed at maintaining order and discipline, conducted in accordance with established operational guidelines.
According to the statement, all items recovered during the search were formally documented and managed in compliance with the regulations governing storage operations. The NCoS clarified that inmates are not permitted to retain unauthorized items or significant amounts of cash while incarcerated. Valuables declared upon admission are securely logged and stored until the inmates are either released or legally discharged.
Further clarification from the NCoS indicated that the records at the Kuje detention center show no evidence of inmates declaring valuable items upon entry, nor does any documentation exist regarding the recovery of such items during the search.
Despite this, some media outlets had previously reported that heavily armed security personnel, clad in bulletproof gear and accompanied by dogs, had entered the facility’s VIP area during the operation. These reports claimed that valuable possessions, including an expensive wedding ring and a watch belonging to detained former Skye Bank Group Managing Director Timothy Ayeni, were among the missing items alongside property associated with other VIP inmates.
It has been suggested that Ayeni is contemplating legal action concerning the alleged missing items, though this claim has not been independently verified. Nonetheless, the NCoS maintains that there are no official records supporting allegations of theft or loss of valuables within the facility.
The statement strongly emphasized that the items referenced in the allegations constitute contraband, which is strictly prohibited in detention facilities. The agency reiterated that unauthorized possession of such items constitutes a violation of facility regulations. Moreover, they noted that no inmates or personnel connected to the detention center have submitted formal or informal complaints regarding theft or the loss of valuables through the designated complaint channels.
The NCoS assured the public that the Medium Security Storage Center in Kuje remains calm, secure, and orderly. The agency cautioned media outlets and the general public against spreading sensational and unverified reports that could mislead audiences and erode trust in public institutions.
In its commitment to uphold the rule of law, the Nigeria Correctional Service reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the welfare and safety of inmates while continuing reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and professionalism across prisons nationwide.
