Kuje Medium Correctional Centre, located in Abuja, is renowned for housing high-profile political figures, public servants, and notable personalities. Several prominent Nigerians have been remanded or jailed at this facility. Here is a list of some of them.
Abba Kyari Spent 27 Months in Detention
The disgraced former head of the Intelligence Response Team was held at Kuje correctional facility on charges of narcotics and evidence tampering. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency filed eight-count charges against Kyari, leading to his remand at Kuje alongside other police officers. Justice Emeka Nwike ordered Kyari, ACP Sunday Ubia, Inspector Simon Agirgba, Inspector John Nuhu, and Bawa James to be sent to Kuje. In May 2024, Kyari met his bail conditions and was released after spending twenty-seven months in detention.
Joshua Dariye Sentenced to 14 Years' Imprisonment
The former governor of Plateau State was convicted of embezzling N2 billion belonging to the state while serving as governor from 1999 to 2007. He was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, but the Supreme Court commuted the sentence to 10 years. Four months after the Council of State granted him a pardon, Dariye was released from Kuje Prisons on health grounds and good behavior.
Femi Fani-Kayode Spent 24 Days
The former Minister of Aviation was released after spending 24 days in EFCC detention and Kuje prisons. Fani-Kayode and two others were charged with alleged fraud of N4.9 billion and money laundering in connection with the 2015 presidential campaign.
Orji Uzor Kalu Sentenced to 12 Years' Imprisonment
On December 5, 2019, Kalu was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment after being found guilty of fraud amounting to N7.56 billion. His company, Slok Nigeria Limited, was forfeited to the federal government. Kalu was tried alongside Udeh Udeogu, former Director of Finance and Accounts at the Abia State Government House. The Supreme Court nullified the trial on May 8, 2020. Kalu was incarcerated at Kuje prison for months following his conviction by the Federal High Court in Abuja on money laundering charges brought by the EFCC.
Osinachi's Husband Sentenced to Death by Hanging
Peter Nwachukwu, widower of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, was sentenced to death by hanging for her death. The singer initially was reported to have died of throat cancer, but her family raised allegations of domestic violence. Peter was convicted of 23 charges, including culpable homicide, and received the maximum sentence. He was arrested in 2022 and also charged with emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, cruelty to children, and criminal intimidation.
Blord Spent 26 Days in Kuje Prison
Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly known as Blord, a celebrity cryptocurrency entrepreneur, was remanded in Kuje Prison for impersonating online critic Verydarkman. He was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on April 1, 2026, facing charges of impersonation and forgery. Blord spent 26 days in the Kuje Correctional Centre before his release.
These individuals represent a cross-section of prominent Nigerians who have experienced detention at Kuje prison, highlighting the facility's role in high-profile legal cases.
