Fresh allegations of criminal activity have surfaced from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje (MSCC-Kuje), involving convicted kidnap kingpins Frank Azuekor and Kelvin Oniarah as they near the end of their 20-year jail terms.
Both men, incarcerated since 2013# SPECIAL REPORT: Alleged Arms Deal Plot Inside Kuje Custodial Centre
Fresh allegations of criminal activity have surfaced from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje (MSCC-Kuje), involving two notorious inmates—convicted kidnap kingpins Frank Azuekor and Kelvin Oniarah—as they near the completion of their 20-year sentences.
Both men, incarcerated since 2013 after issuing a 60-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, are scheduled for release in December 2026. Yet, disturbing claims suggest they have been orchestrating criminal operations from within the prison walls.
Alleged Arms Deal and Threats
Reports from concerned citizens allege that Azuekor and Oniarah established contact with Mr. Bukah, a dismissed Air Force personnel who received a presidential pardon in late 2025. The inmates allegedly enlisted Bukah to facilitate the procurement of firearms and ammunition ahead of the forthcoming Delta State elections.
Sources claim that discussions continued discreetly until last week, when Azuekor and Oniarah demanded updates after purportedly making payments for the arms. When Bukah failed to provide details, he was allegedly threatened. Bukah, who served as the inmates’ provost and understood prison regulations, reported the incident to Kuje authorities.
Following his report, Azuekor’s mobile phone was allegedly confiscated. However, the petition raises concerns about contraband management at Kuje, alleging that seized items are often returned to inmates for a fee, undermining security protocols.
Allegations Against Facility Leadership
The report directly implicates DCC R.A. Ogundare, Officer-in-Charge of Kuje Custodial Centre, in practices that compromise national security. It alleges that confiscated phones and contraband are resold to inmates, while “dummy” phones are substituted during inspections to deceive higher authorities.
Further claims suggest that Azuekor and Oniarah recently raised funds through a former convicted Governor of Delta State—described as their “godfather”—to explore early release strategies before December 2026. One alleged tactic involves feigning illness to secure medical referrals outside the facility, where restrictions are looser. The report claims DCC Ogundare has approved similar arrangements for other inmates in the past.
Kuje Custodial Centre is described as “the epicenter of multiple security concerns,” with allegations that Oniarah continues to wield influence inside the prison. He is reportedly escorted by eight inmates and allegedly facilitates the sale of illicit drugs. A photograph of Oniarah inside his cell has been submitted as supporting evidence.
Background: Kelvin Oniarah’s Criminal History
Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, 44, also known as Kelvin Ibruvwe, was once among Nigeria’s most-wanted criminals. On September 25, 2013, he was arrested by a joint team of the Nigerian Army and DSS after years on the run.
His gang was linked to several high-profile kidnappings, including:
- The abduction of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Barr. Mike Ozekhome, and his driver on August 24, 2013, along the Auchi–Benin road. The victims reportedly spent 20 days in captivity before a ₦28 million ransom was paid.
- The kidnapping of a judge of the Edo State Judiciary.
- The abduction of a senior female official of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
- Multiple NYSC members and security officers.
His operations spanned Delta, Edo, Rivers, and Anambra States, with alleged camps in Warri, Kokori, Ugbokolo, Benin City, and Aba. In 2013, Oniarah issued a 60-day ultimatum to the federal government demanding the release of detained gang members.
Convicted and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in 2013, Oniarah was later released under a presidential amnesty program after serving 12 years but was returned to custody to complete his sentence.
Call for Investigation
The concerned citizens behind the report insist that a detailed dossier on DCC Ogundare’s alleged misconduct will be released in the coming days. They are calling for:
- Urgent investigation into the alleged arms deal plot.
- Suspension and prosecution of any officials found culpable.
- Immediate reforms to address contraband trafficking and inmate radicalization at Kuje.
Disclaimer
These allegations were submitted by concerned citizens. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Nigerian Correctional Service and other relevant authorities have not yet issued an official response to these claims.
