No Inmate Was Robbed At Kuje Custodial Centre, Report Misleading – NCoS Insists

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has dismissed reports alleging that an inmate at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, was robbed of valuables worth more than ₦120m during a routine search operation.

The Service described the allegation as false, misleading and inconsistent with established procedures governing custodial facilities across the country.

Naija News reports that in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, JN Osuji, the correctional authorities explained that what occurred at the facility was a routine security search conducted in line with standard operational procedures.

According to the statement, all prohibited items recovered during the exercise were properly documented and processed.

“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 read.

The Correctional Service stated that inmates are not permitted to keep unauthorised personal items or large sums of money while in custody.

It explained that personal belongings declared by inmates upon admission are documented and kept safely until discharge or lawful release.

According to the Service, records at the custodial centre do not show that the valuables mentioned in the reports were declared by any inmate upon admission.

“Available records from the custodial centre do not indicate that the items mentioned in the reports were declared by the inmate(s) upon admission,” the statement said.

The agency further noted that the items allegedly mentioned in the reports are classified as prohibited contraband within correctional facilities.

It said possession of such items by inmates would constitute a violation of custodial regulations.

The Service stressed that inmates are not allowed to retain such valuables in their personal possession while in custody.

The Correctional Service also disclosed that no formal or informal complaint had been received from any inmate regarding theft or loss of valuables linked to the reported incident.

“As at the time of this statement, no formal or informal complaint of theft or loss relating to the alleged items has been lodged by the said inmate, or any other inmate, or persons in the Centre,” the statement added.

The Service appealed to members of the public and media organisations to avoid circulating unverified claims capable of misleading the public and undermining confidence in public institutions.

It urged journalists to seek clarification through official channels before publishing reports.

The agency also assured Nigerians that the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje remains calm, peaceful and secure.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to professionalism, transparency, accountability and the welfare of inmates across custodial facilities nationwide.