The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied allegations that officials at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre robbed inmates of valuables, describing the claims as false, misleading and inconsistent with prison regulations.
The reaction follows an online report alleging that a former bank executive, Tunde Ayeni, who is currently facing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was dispossessed of a wristwatch reportedly valued at ₦120 million while in custody.
Routine Security Search
But the NCoS, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, insisted that no such incident occurred, stressing that the operation carried out at the facility was a routine security search conducted in line with established custodial procedures.
“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.
According to the Service, the exercise was professionally executed in compliance with standard operating procedures aimed at maintaining security, order and discipline within custodial facilities.
Osuji explained that inmates are prohibited from keeping unauthorised personal items or large sums of money while in custody, noting that all valuables declared upon admission are officially documented and securely stored until release.
She added that available records from the Kuje custodial centre did not show that the items mentioned in the report were declared by any inmate at the point of admission, nor were such items recovered during the search.
“Consequently, there is no official record supporting the allegation that the said prohibited valuables were in the custody of the inmate(s) within the facility,” she stated.
The NCoS further clarified that items such as luxury wristwatches are classified as prohibited contraband within custodial centres and are not permitted in inmates’ possession.
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The Service also disclosed that no formal or informal complaint regarding theft or missing valuables had been lodged by the inmate involved or by any other person within the facility.
Reaffirming that the Kuje custodial centre remains calm and secure, the NCoS urged media organisations to avoid publishing sensational and unverified reports capable of undermining public confidence in government institutions.
Osuji added that the Service remains committed to upholding professionalism, transparency and accountability in custodial operations under ongoing reforms introduced by the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.