The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed reports alleging that an inmate at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, was robbed of valuables worth more than ₦120 million during a search operation within the facility.
In a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections J.N. Osuji, the NCoS described the allegation as false, misleading and at variance with established procedures guiding the management of custodial centres across the country.
The Service explained that the exercise carried out at the Kuje facility was a routine security search aimed at maintaining order and safety within the centre.
“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 statement said.
It added that the operation was conducted in line with existing Standard Operating Procedures designed to preserve security, discipline and the integrity of custodial activities.
The NCoS stated that inmates are not permitted to keep unauthorized items or large sums of money while in custody. It noted that personal belongings declared upon admission are properly documented and secured until an inmate is discharged or lawfully released.
According to the Service, records available at the Kuje Custodial Centre do not show that the items mentioned in the media reports were declared by the inmate at the point of admission. It also stated that such items were neither discovered nor recorded during the search.
“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 maintained that there is no official documentation to support claims that the alleged valuables were ever in the inmate’s possession within the facility.
It further noted that the items referred to in the reports fall under prohibited contraband and are not allowed within custodial centres. The Service stressed that any unauthorized possession of such items amounts to a violation of custodial regulations.
The NCoS also disclosed that no complaint regarding theft or loss of the alleged valuables had been received from the inmate involved, any other inmate, or any individual connected to the facility through its official complaint channels.
The Service assured the public that the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje remains calm and secure.
It urged media organisations and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of misleading citizens and eroding public confidence. The Service also encouraged journalists to seek clarification through official channels before publishing reports.
Reaffirming its commitment to lawful custodial administration, the NCoS said it would continue to uphold the rule of law, protect the welfare of inmates and sustain security measures introduced by the Controller-General of Corrections to strengthen professionalism, transparency and accountability in custodial centres nationwide.