Nigeria's Correctional Service has flatly denied claims that inmates at Kuje Medium Security Centre lost over N120 million in valuables during a search operation.
Jane Osuji, the service's spokesperson, issued a statement on Friday rejecting the allegations outright. She called them false and at odds with how custodial centres operate nationwide.
Online media outlets had reported that prisoners' belongings vanished during a security search at the Abuja facility. The reports sparked immediate concern about what happened inside the centre.
According to the NCoS, the operation was routine and aimed at maintaining order and safety. All items recovered were properly documented following standard procedures, Osuji noted.
Inmates cannot legally keep unauthorised personal items or large cash amounts while in custody. Any valuables they declare upon arrival are recorded and secured until release.
Here's the key issue: centre records show no inmate declared such valuables when admitted. The items were never found or logged during the search operation, either.
This makes the allegations impossible to verify, the service said in its statement. Without documentation of declared items, there's no basis for the robbery claim.
Items of that nature are actually prohibited contraband in correctional facilities. Bringing them in or keeping them there violates custodial regulations, officials explained.
No inmate has filed a formal or informal complaint about theft or lost valuables. The service made this clear in addressing the alleged incident.
Kuje Centre remains calm, peaceful and secure, the NCoS insisted. Officials stressed that the facility's operations continue normally without any disturbances.
The service called on media organisations to verify claims before publishing stories. Officials urged journalists to use official channels when seeking information about correctional operations.
Spreading unverified reports can damage public trust in security institutions, authorities warned. The statement urged restraint from sensational coverage without proper verification.
The NCoS reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the rule of law. The service also pledged continued focus on inmate safety and welfare programmes.