Fresh controversy has emerged at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following allegations that former Skye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni, lost valuables worth over ₦120 million during a security operation inside the facility.
According to reports by SaharaReporters, Ayeni was allegedly dispossessed of his wedding ring and an expensive wristwatch during a raid carried out by officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Sources within the correctional facility claimed the operation was led by senior officers, including the Deputy Controller-General of Operations, alongside personnel attached to the Kuje custodial centre.
The sources further alleged that suspended former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, also lost about ₦2 million during the same operation.
Insiders claimed the officers stormed the prison yard with operatives accompanied by dogs reportedly belonging to the Department of State Services (DSS). The officials were also said to have worn bulletproof vests, creating panic among inmates.
A source alleged that Ayeni was searched during the exercise and had his valuables confiscated.
“One of the former chairmen of Skye Bank in Kuje prison was searched and robbed of his wedding ring and wristwatch worth over ₦120 million by officers in charge of Kuje prison,” the source reportedly said.
The source also alleged that Abba Kyari lost approximately ₦2 million during the operation.
The development has reportedly heightened tension within the correctional facility, with some inmates accusing officers involved in the raid of intimidation and abuse of authority.
Another source familiar with the matter disclosed that Ayeni was considering filing an official petition against the officers allegedly involved.
“The bank chairman wants to petition them as I speak to you,” the source added.
Reports indicated that the incident occurred during a routine search operation within the correctional centre. However, insiders alleged that valuables and cash belonging to some high-profile detainees were seized without proper documentation or accountability.
The allegations had not been independently verified at the time of filing this report, while the Nigerian Correctional Service had yet to release an official statement on the matter.
The Kuje Correctional Centre has previously faced public scrutiny over security concerns, including jailbreak incidents and allegations involving the treatment of high-profile detainees.
Ayeni, a businessman and former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, is currently standing trial over alleged ₦15.7 billion fraud charges. He was recently granted ₦200 million bail by an Abuja High Court under strict conditions.
Meanwhile, Kyari is facing trial over alleged drug trafficking and other related offences.
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