The Nigerian Correctional Service has debunked media reports, alleging that an inmate 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.

The Service, in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, and Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Jane Osuji, categorically described the report as false, misleading, and inconsistent with the operational realities and established procedures governing custodial facilities in the country.

According to her, 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.

She added that 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 PRO of the Nigerian Correctional Service stated that the service operates under clearly defined regulations, which prohibit inmates from keeping personal unauthorized items and large sums of money, while in custody. She said that 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.

She added that available records from the Custodial Centre do not indicate that the items mentioned in the reports were declared by the inmate upon admission, neither were such items found or recorded during the search operation.

The Service, therefore, urged the public and media organizations to refrain from circulating sensational and unverified claims capable of misleading the public and undermining confidence in public institutions.

The Nigerian Correctional Service restated its commitment 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.