By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed reports alleging that inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, were robbed of valuables worth over ₦120 million during a routine search operation within the facility.
In a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, JN Osuji, the Service described the allegation as false, misleading, and inconsistent with established operational procedures guiding custodial centres across the country.
According to the statement, the incident in question involved a routine security search conducted in line with standard operational procedures aimed at maintaining security, discipline, and order within the custodial facility.
The Service stated that all prohibited items recovered during the operation were properly processed and documented in accordance with existing regulations.
NCoS further explained that inmates are prohibited from keeping unauthorized personal belongings or large sums of money while in custody, adding that all valuables declared by inmates upon admission are officially documented and safely kept until discharge or lawful release.
The Service further noted that available records at the Kuje custodial centre do not show that the alleged valuables were declared by any inmate upon admission, nor were such items recovered or documented during the search operation.
“There is no official record supporting the allegation that the said prohibited valuables were in the custody of the inmate(s) within the facility,” the statement said.
The correctional authorities also stressed that the items reportedly mentioned in online reports are classified as prohibited contraband within custodial centres, adding that possession of such items by inmates would amount to a violation of custodial regulations.
The Service disclosed that no formal or informal complaint regarding theft or loss of valuables had been lodged by any inmate or individual through official complaint channels as of the time of issuing the statement.
It also assured the public that the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, remains calm, peaceful, and secure.
The Nigerian Correctional Service urged media organisations and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified and sensational reports capable of undermining public confidence in institutions.
It encouraged journalists to seek clarification through official channels to promote fairness, accuracy, and responsible reporting.
Osuji reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Correctional Service to upholding the rule of law, ensuring inmate welfare, and sustaining reforms and security measures introduced by the Controller General of Corrections to strengthen professionalism, transparency, and accountability nationwide.
