The Nigerian Correctional Service has officially denied allegations that officials at the Kuje Custodial Centre stole valuables belonging to inmates, including a luxury wristwatch reportedly worth N120 million. The agency clarified that the watch was never listed in official admission records, and the search conducted at the facility was a routine operation.
Background of the Allegation
The allegation surfaced in an online publication claiming that Tunde Ayeni, a former bank executive currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, was deprived of an expensive wristwatch while in custody. Ayeni is held at the Kuje facility pending his trial.
Correctional Service Response
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Jane Osuji, the Nigerian Correctional Service described the report as false and misleading. The agency maintained that there is no evidence to support the claim, emphasizing that all procedures were followed during the security search.
“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,” Osuji said. “The exercise was conducted professionally and in line with extant Standard Operating Procedures aimed at maintaining security, order, discipline, and the integrity of custodial operations.”
Regulations on Inmate Valuables
The correctional service explained that its regulations do not permit inmates to keep unauthorized personal items or large sums of money while in custody. Upon admission, all belongings declared by inmates are properly recorded and secured until their release or discharge.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service operates under clearly defined regulations which prohibit inmates from keeping personal unauthorized items and large sums of money while in custody,” the statement added.
Official Records at Kuje
According to the agency, available records at the Kuje Custodial Centre do not indicate that the items mentioned in the report—including the N120 million wristwatch—were declared by any inmate upon admission. “Neither were such items found or recorded during the search operation,” Osuji noted. “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.”
Public Urged to Rely on Verified Information
The Nigerian Correctional Service urged the public to rely on verified information regarding its operations and dismissed the allegations as baseless. The agency reiterated its commitment to transparency and adherence to established procedures.
