The Nigerian Correctional Service has dismissed allegations that its personnel looted valuables worth over N120m during a recent security operation at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja.
The Service described the claims as “false and misleading,” insisting that the exercise was a routine search conducted in line with established procedures to maintain order and security within the facility.
Allegations had surfaced that officials carted away expensive items, including a wedding ring and wristwatch reportedly belonging to former Chairman of Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, during a raid on VIP sections of the custodial centre.
But in a statement issued on Friday, the NCoS spokesperson, Jane Osuji, said there was no record to support the claims, stressing that all operations were carried out professionally.
“The Service wishes to categorically state that the allegation is false, misleading, and inconsistent with the operational realities and established procedures governing custodial facilities in the country,” the statement read.
The NCoS explained that inmates are not permitted to keep unauthorised personal belongings or large sums of money while in custody, noting that any valuables declared upon admission are properly documented and kept in safe custody until release.
According to the agency, available records at the Kuje facility did not indicate that the items mentioned in the reports were declared by any inmate, 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,” it added.
The Service further noted that the items allegedly stolen fall under prohibited contraband within custodial centres, stressing that inmates are barred from retaining such possessions.
It also stated that no formal complaint regarding theft or missing valuables had been lodged through official channels by any inmate or their representatives as of the time of filing the report.
“The Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, is calm, peaceful and secured,” Osuji said.
Findings, however, indicated that the search operation followed a viral video released by cryptocurrency businessman, Linus Ifejirika, popularly known as Blord, who claimed he enjoyed preferential treatment during his stay at the facility.
Sources had alleged that senior NCoS officials, led by a Deputy Controller-General in charge of Operations, stormed the centre and searched VIP cells, during which appliances were removed and valuables reportedly went missing.
One source claimed, “They came to search all the VIP rooms because of the video released by Blord… They removed all appliances, and in the process, expensive items were stolen.”
Another source alleged that cash and valuables belonging to some high-profile detainees were confiscated without proper documentation.
Unconfirmed reports also indicated that Ayeni was considering filing a petition against officers allegedly involved in the operation.
Ayeni is currently standing trial over an alleged N15.7bn fraud case and was recently granted bail of N200m by an Abuja High Court, with conditions including the provision of sureties and a bank guarantee.
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