Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) said the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari and other VIPs did not escape from the Kuje Prison.
Gatekeepers News earlier reported that gunmen attacked the correctional facility with explosives on Tuesday night.
Briefing journalists on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore, said about 600 inmates escaped, but noted that security operatives have recaptured 300 so far.
Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi had also said all Boko Haram suspects in the facility escaped.
Since the news of the prison invasion broke, Nigerians have taken to social media to express concerns over Kyari’s whereabouts.
There were also reports that Kyari was not seen during the morning prayers.
In reaction to this, the Spokesperson of the NCoS, Abubakar Umar said Kyari did not escape from the facility.
“This is also to confirm to the general public that DCP Abba Kyari and other VIPs held in the facility did not escape. They are presently in custody, hale and hearty,” Umar said in a statement.
Kyari, who was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on February 12, was arraigned on March 7 over allegations of drug trafficking.
Upon arraignment, the suspended DCP and four other defendants pleaded not guilty, while the sixth and seventh defendants pleaded guilty and have been sentenced accordingly.
He was denied bail and remanded in Kuje prison on March 28.
Kyari is also facing extradition proceedings over his indictment in an alleged $1.1 million fraud involving Hushpuppi, the self-confessed international fraudster.
