News Maker
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has rejected online reports alleging that an inmate at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, was robbed of personal valuables worth over ₦120 million during a routine search operation.
In a statement signed by Chief Superintendent of Corrections JN Osuji, Service Public Relations Officer, the Service described the allegation as false, misleading, and inconsistent with the operational realities and procedures governing custodial facilities in Nigeria.
The Service clarified that what occurred at Kuje was a routine security search carried out within the facility. All recovered prohibited items were duly processed and documented, in line with extant Standard Operating Procedures aimed at maintaining security, order, discipline, and the integrity of custodial operations.
According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, its regulations prohibit inmates from keeping unauthorized personal items and large sums of money while in custody. Upon admission, all declared personal belongings and valuables are properly documented, recorded, and kept in safe custody until discharge or lawful release.
Available records from the Kuje custodial centre show that the items mentioned in the reports were not declared by any inmate upon admission, nor were they found or recorded during the search operation. There is therefore no official record supporting the claim that such prohibited valuables were in an inmate’s custody.
The Service further noted that items of the nature allegedly mentioned are classified as contraband within custodial centres. Inmates are not permitted to retain them, and any unauthorized introduction or possession constitutes a breach of custodial regulations.
As at the time of the statement, no formal or informal complaint of theft or loss relating to the alleged items had been lodged by any inmate or person through the Centre or the Service’s official complaint channels. The Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje is calm, peaceful and secured.
The Nigerian Correctional Service urged the public and media organisations to refrain from circulating sensational and unverified claims capable of misleading the public and undermining confidence in public institutions. It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring the safety and welfare of inmates, and sustaining reforms by the Controller General of Corrections to strengthen professionalism, transparency, and accountability across custodial centres nationwide.
