Tension has reportedly gripped the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following allegations that former Skye Bank Plc Chairman, Tunde Ayeni, was dispossessed of a wristwatch valued at over ₦120 million during a search operation inside the facility.
Sources quoted by SaharaReporters alleged that the incident occurred during a raid conducted by officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service, who reportedly carried out a coordinated search within the custodial centre.
It was further alleged that suspended former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, also lost about ₦2 million during the same operation.
According to multiple insiders, the operation was led by the Deputy Controller-General of Operations alongside officers in charge of the Kuje facility. The team was reportedly accompanied by operatives said to be carrying DSS dogs, while officers were also alleged to have worn bulletproof vests, a situation that caused panic among inmates.
One source claimed that Ayeni was searched during the operation and had his wedding ring and luxury wristwatch taken.
The source said: “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. Abba Kyari was also robbed of about ₦2 million during the same operation.”
The alleged incident reportedly triggered tension within the correctional centre, with inmates accusing officers of intimidation and abuse of authority.
Another source said Ayeni was considering taking legal action and filing an official petition over the incident.
“The bank chairman wants to petition them as I speak to you,” the source added.
The operation was said to be part of a routine search exercise within the facility, but insiders alleged that cash and valuables belonging to some high-profile detainees were seized without proper documentation.
The claims have not been independently verified, and the Nigerian Correctional Service has yet to issue an official response.
The Kuje Correctional Centre has previously faced scrutiny over security breaches and allegations of misconduct involving inmates and officers.
Ayeni, a businessman and former banking executive, is currently standing trial over alleged ₦15.7 billion fraud and was recently granted ₦200 million bail by an Abuja High Court under strict conditions.
Kyari is also facing separate criminal proceedings linked to drug-related allegations and other offences.
