No valuables stolen during Kuje prison search — NCoS

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied reports that inmates were robbed of valuables during a recent search at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Service’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, described claims that an inmate lost valuables worth over ₦120 million as false, misleading, and inconsistent with standard custodial procedures.

Osuji explained that the operation in question was a routine security search conducted in line with established guidelines, adding that any prohibited items recovered were properly processed and documented.

She emphasized that such exercises are carried out professionally to maintain security, order, and discipline within correctional facilities.

According to her, inmates are not allowed to keep unauthorised personal belongings or large sums of money while in custody, noting that all declared valuables are officially recorded and securely kept until an inmate is released.

She further stated that there was no record indicating that the items mentioned in the reports were declared at the point of admission, nor were such items found during the search.

“There is no official record supporting the claim that the alleged valuables were ever in the custody of any inmate within the facility,” she said.

Osuji added that the items listed in the reports fall under prohibited contraband, stressing that possession of such items within a custodial centre violates established regulations.

She also noted that no complaint—formal or informal—had been filed by any inmate or individual regarding the alleged theft through the service’s official channels.

Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring inmate welfare, Osuji said the Kuje custodial centre remains calm, secure, and peaceful.