Nigerian Correctional Service Denies ₦120m Robbery Allegation at Kuje Custodial Centre
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerian Correctional Service has dismissed reports alleging that inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, were robbed of valuables worth over ₦120 million during a routine search operation, describing the claims as false, misleading, and unfounded.
The Service clarified that what occurred at the facility was a standard security search conducted in accordance with established operational procedures aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and security within the custodial centre.
This clarification was contained in a rebuttal statement issued by the Nigerian Correctional Service and signed by J.N. Osuji, Chief Superintendent of Corrections and Service Public Relations Officer.
According to the statement, all items recovered during the operation were properly processed and documented in line with existing Standard Operating Procedures governing custodial operations across the country.
“The allegation is false, misleading, and inconsistent with the operational realities and established procedures governing custodial facilities in the country,” the statement said.
The Service explained that inmates are prohibited from keeping unauthorized personal belongings or large sums of money while in custody.
It noted that upon admission into any custodial facility, inmates are required to declare all personal belongings and valuables, which are then documented and safely kept until discharge or lawful release.
According to the Correctional Service, available records from the Kuje custodial centre do not show that the alleged valuables were ever declared by the inmate or inmates involved.
“Available records from the custodial centre do not indicate that the items mentioned in the reports were declared by the inmate(s) upon admission, neither were such items found or recorded during the search operation,” the statement added.
The agency further stressed that the items allegedly mentioned in the reports are classified as prohibited contraband within custodial centres and are not permitted in inmates’ possession.
It warned that unauthorized possession or introduction of such items into correctional facilities constitutes a violation of custodial regulations.
The Service also disclosed that no formal or informal complaint regarding theft or missing valuables had been lodged by any inmate or individual within the facility through official complaint channels.
“The Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje is calm, peaceful and secured,” the statement emphasized.
The Correctional Service urged media organisations and the public to avoid spreading sensational or unverified information capable of undermining confidence in public institutions.
It also encouraged journalists to seek clarification through official communication channels to promote fairness, accuracy, and responsible journalism.
Reaffirming its commitment to reforms and institutional accountability, the Service stated that ongoing security and operational measures introduced by the Controller General of Corrections are aimed at strengthening professionalism, transparency, and effective custodial management nationwide.
