Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Chairman of Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, has reportedly been robbed of his wedding ring and an expensive wristwatch valued at over N120 million by senior officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service during a search operation at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. Multiple sources from within the facility told SaharaReporters that the operation, described by prison authorities as a routine search, was carried out by officials led by the Deputy Controller-General (DCG) of Operations alongside other officers assigned to the facility. According to insiders, the officers stormed the prison yard with operatives accompanied by Department of State Services (DSS) dogs while dressed in bulletproof vests, creating panic among inmates.
Sources further disclosed that suspended former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, who is also being held at the facility, allegedly lost about N2 million during the same operation. “One of the former chairmen of Skye Bank in Kuje prison was searched and robbed of his wedding ring and wristwatch worth over N120 million by officers in charge of Kuje prison,” one of the sources told SaharaReporters. “Abba Kyari was also robbed of his money, about N2 million, by the same officers. They came into the yard with DSS dogs and bulletproof vests during the operation”. The source added that the development has generated tension within the correctional facility, with some inmates accusing the officers of abuse of power and intimidation.
Another source familiar with the incident said Ayeni was considering filing an official petition against the officers allegedly involved in the operation. “The bank chairman wants to petition them as I speak to you,” the source added. While prison authorities have reportedly described the incident as a routine search operation, insiders alleged that valuables and cash belonging to some high-profile detainees were confiscated without proper documentation or accountability. Ayeni, a prominent businessman and former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, is currently facing trial over alleged fraud amounting to about N15.7 billion. He was recently granted bail of N200 million by an Abuja High Court, with strict conditions including sureties who must be federal civil servants and one bank guarantee of N15 billion. Meanwhile, Abba Kyari remains in custody while facing trial over allegations linked to drug trafficking and other offences. The Kuje Correctional Centre has repeatedly made headlines over security controversies, including previous jailbreak incidents and allegations of preferential treatment and abuse involving high-profile detainees.
Despite the numerous reports, the Nigerian Correctional Service has yet to issue an official statement to either confirm or deny the incident.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News
🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew
📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments