Former Skye Bank Plc Chairman, Tunde Ayeni, has allegedly been dispossessed of his wedding ring and a wristwatch worth over ₦120 million during a reported raid at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, with suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, also said to have lost ₦2 million in the same operation.
Alleged Prison Raid Sparks Controversy
According to SaharaReporters, insiders within the correctional facility claimed the incident occurred during a search operation carried out by senior officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service. The operation was reportedly described by authorities as routine but allegedly resulted in the disappearance of valuables belonging to high-profile inmates.
Sources said the operation was led by the Deputy Controller-General of Operations alongside officers in charge of the Kuje facility, with operatives reportedly accompanied by DSS dogs and wearing bulletproof vests.
Ayeni, Kyari Allegedly Targeted During Search
Multiple sources alleged that Ayeni was searched during the exercise and later found to have lost his wedding ring and expensive wristwatch. Kyari, who is also being held at the facility, was reportedly affected, with about ₦2 million allegedly missing from his belongings.
One source was quoted as saying officers “stormed the yard with DSS dogs and bulletproof vests” and carried out the operation in a manner that caused panic among inmates.
Inmates Raise Alarm Over Conduct of Officers
The alleged operation reportedly triggered tension within the correctional centre, with inmates accusing officers of intimidation and misconduct. Some claims suggested that cash and valuables were taken without proper documentation, although these allegations remain unverified.
Another insider said Ayeni was considering filing an official petition over the incident, alleging that his valuables were not accounted for after the search operation.
Authorities Yet to Confirm Allegations
As of filing this report, the Nigerian Correctional Service had not issued an official statement responding to the allegations, and the claims remain unverified. However, the development has again drawn attention to longstanding concerns about security, accountability, and welfare conditions within the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The facility has previously faced scrutiny over security breaches and allegations involving high-profile detainees, adding fresh weight to the latest claims.
Ongoing Legal and Institutional Spotlight
Ayeni, a former banking executive, is currently standing trial over alleged fraud involving ₦15.7 billion, while Abba Kyari is facing separate charges linked to drug-related offences and other allegations.
The incident continues to raise questions about prison oversight, transparency in custodial operations, and the treatment of inmates awaiting trial.