Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Nigerian Correctional Service notes with concerns, media reports online, alleging that an inmate(s) at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, was robbed of personal valuables reportedly valued at over ₦120 million during a routine search operation conducted within the facility. This was contained in a statement signed by JN Osuji, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Service, Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service.
The statement reads: “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.
“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 dully processed and documented. 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.
“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. Upon admission into any custodial facility, all personal belongings and valuables declared by inmates are properly documented, recorded, and kept in safe custody until discharge or lawful release.
“Available records from the custodial centre do not indicate that the items mentioned in the reports were declared by the inmate(s) upon admission, neither were such items found or recorded during the search operation. 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 is also important to state that the items allegedly mentioned are classified as prohibited contraband within custodial centres, and inmates are not permitted to retain them in personal possession. Any unauthorized introduction or possession of such items within a custodial facility constitutes a breach of custodial regulations.
“Furthermore, as at the time of this statement, no formal or informal complaint of theft or loss relating to the alleged items has been lodged by the said inmate, or any other inmate, or persons in the Centre, nor through the available official complaint channels of the Service.
“The Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje is calm, peaceful, and secured.
“The Service therefore urges the public and media organisations to refrain from circulating sensational and unverified claims capable of misleading the public and undermining confidence in public institutions. Media correspondents are encouraged to seek clarification through appropriate official channels in the interest of fairness, accuracy, and responsible journalism.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring the safety and welfare of inmates and sustaining ongoing reforms and security measures introduced by the Controller General of Corrections to strengthen professionalism, transparency, and accountability across custodial centres nationwide, ” it also added.
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