“No Inmates’ Valuables Were Stolen” — NCoS Denies ₦120m Theft Claim During Kuje Prison Search, Says Operation Was Lawful

The Nigerian Correctional Service has denied allegations that its officers stole valuables belonging to inmates during a routine search operation at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja.

The Service described the reports as false, misleading and inconsistent with established custodial procedures, insisting that the operation was conducted professionally and in line with Standard Operating Procedures.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, the NCoS said the exercise was a routine security search aimed at maintaining order, discipline and security within the facility, adding that all recovered prohibited items were duly processed and documented.

It also dismissed claims that inmates were robbed of valuables reportedly worth over N120m, saying the allegations were not supported by official records.

“The Service wishes to categorically state that the allegation is false, misleading, and inconsistent with the operational realities and established procedures governing custodial facilities in the country,” the statement said.

According to the NCoS, inmates are not permitted to keep unauthorised items or large sums of money in custody, noting that all personal belongings declared at the point of admission are documented and safely kept until lawful release.

It further stated that records from the custodial centre did not show that any of the items mentioned in the reports were declared by inmates, nor were such items found or recorded during the search operation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, what took place at the Custodial Centre in Kuje was a routine security search carried out within the facility, and all recovered prohibited items were duly processed and documented. The exercise was conducted professionally and in line with extant Standard Operating Procedures aimed at maintaining security, order, discipline and the integrity of custodial operations.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service operates under clearly defined regulations which prohibit inmates from keeping personal unauthorised items and large sums of money while in custody,” the statement said.

The Service also said no complaint of theft or loss had been filed through any official channel by inmates or any other persons within the facility.

“The Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, is calm, peaceful and secure,” the statement added.

The response comes amid a report by SaharaReporters alleging that some high-profile inmates were affected during the search operation at the facility.

According to the report, former Skye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni, was allegedly robbed of a wedding ring and wristwatch valued at over N120m during the operation.

The report also claimed that suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, lost about N2m.

It further alleged that the operation was carried out by senior correctional officers accompanied by operatives and DSS dogs, causing panic within the facility, and that valuables were confiscated without proper documentation.

However, the NCoS dismissed the claims in their entirety, maintaining that the search was lawful and that no evidence supports the allegations.

The Service urged the public and media organisations to verify information through official channels before publication, warning against the spread of unverified claims capable of undermining confidence in public institutions.

The NCoS reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening security and accountability across custodial centres nationwide.