Chapter 35: The Kuje Prison Paradox

Timeframe: April – July 2022
Location: DSS Detention, Kuje Medium Security Prison, Abuja
Key Actors: Boko Haram (ISWAP) attackers, Nigerian Correctional Service, DSS

Epigraph:

“Kuje Prison is porous; mark my words, they will come for it.”
— Nnamdi Kanu, Radio Biafra broadcast replayed in court filings, April 2022 [1].

The Narrative Opening

The Camera Lens

On 5 July 2022, hundreds of attackers stormed Kuje Prison, freeing more than 400 inmates. Months earlier, Kanu had warned of an impending jailbreak targeting high-profile detainees. After the attack, prosecutors cited his prediction as proof of complicity. Intelligence became incrimination.

Section 1: The Prediction — Broadcast warning

Court filings show that Kanu told his lawyers and family that intelligence suggested terrorists planned to hit Kuje [1]. He asked authorities to beef up security. No action followed.

Section 2: The Irony — Punished for accuracy

Following the jailbreak, the DSS argued in court that Kanu’s knowledge implied coordination [2]. Amnesty International countered that whistleblowers should not be punished for warnings. The paradox underscores how distrust between the State and detainees sabotages security cooperation.

The “Investigative Evidence” Box

Exhibit AI: Affidavit of Barrister Ejiofor (July 2022)

• Attaches Kanu’s prior warning letter to DSS.
  
• Shows receipt stamp predating the attack.

The Verdict

The Kuje episode shows a damning cycle: when the State refuses to heed intelligence from adversaries, predictable tragedies occur—and the messenger is blamed. Security suffers, and mistrust deepens.

Chapter Endnotes / Citations

• [1] Ejiofor, I. (2022, Jul 8). Affidavit on Kuje Prison Warning.
  
• [2] Premium Times. (2022, Jul 10). DSS tells court Kanu foresaw jailbreak.