No inmate was robbed Kuje Custodial Centre – NCoS

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied reports that an inmate was robbed of valuables during a recent search operation at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje. The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in […]

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied reports that an inmate was robbed of valuables during a recent search operation at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.

Osuji described reports alleging that an inmate was robbed of valuables worth more than N120 million as false, misleading and inconsistent with established custodial procedures.

According to her, what took place at the custodial centre was a routine security search conducted within the facility, during which all recovered prohibited items were properly processed and documented.

“The exercise is conducted professionally and in line with extant standard operating procedures aimed at maintaining security, order, discipline and the integrity of custodial operations,” she said.

Osuji noted that the NCoS operates under clearly defined regulations that prohibit inmates from keeping unauthorised personal items and large sums of money while in custody.

She added that all personal belongings and valuables declared by inmates upon admission are properly documented, recorded and kept in safe custody until discharge or lawful release.

According to her, records at the custodial centre neither indicate that the items mentioned in the reports were declared upon admission nor show that such items were found during the search operation.

“There is no official record supporting the allegation that the said valuables were in the custody of any inmate 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 their personal possession.

“Any unauthorised introduction or possession of such items within a custodial facility constitutes a breach of custodial regulations,” she said. (NAN)