The attack on the Kuje facility is the latest in a series of attacks on prisons in Nigeria.
Between April 5, 2021, and June 5, 2022, there were at least nine reports of attacks on prisons in different parts of Nigeria.
Before the Kuje incident, there were attacks on the Owerri prison, Bauchi prison, Ubiaja prison in Edo State, Kurmawa Prison in Kano, Jos and Plateau prisons, Kabba prison in Kogi, and Abolongo prison in Oyo State.
Since its establishment in 1989, the Kuje prison has housed different categories of prisoners, from murderers to corrupt politicians.
A day after the attack on Kuje prison, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Correctional Service said none of the prominent detainees in the facility escaped.
“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,” he said.
However, there are indications that some of the prominent detainees did indeed escape.
PREMIUM TIMES profiles below some of the prominent detainees at the Kuje prison during the attack.
Hamisu Bala (Wadume)
Popularly known as Wadume, Hamisu Bala was a Taraba-based kidnap kingpin who was notorious in the North-east and North-central parts of Nigeria.
After his arrest on August 6, 2019, Mr Bala, allegedly assisted by compromised soldiers, escaped when they opened fire on police officers transporting the kidnap kingpin.
Suspected Taraba kidnap kingpin Hamisu Wadume.
Three police officers and two civilians were killed during the incident.
He was, however, re-arrested on August 19, 2019, in an operation led by police officer, Abba Kyari, who later became his fellow inmate in Kuje prison.
Mr Bala was detained in Kuje prison where he is awaiting trial for crimes bordering on terrorism, murder, kidnapping and possession of illegal arms.
He is believed to be among the over 400 inmates who are still at large.
Abba Kyari
A decorated police officer, Mr Kyari slipped into infamy in early 2022 when he was arrested for aiding and abetting drug pushing.
His celebrity status was first brought under public scrutiny in July 2021 when the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation linked him to $1.1 million internet fraud perpetrated by a popular Instagram celebrity, Ramon Abbas, also known as Hushpuppi.
Suspended and embattled police officer, DCP Abba Kyari.
Suspended and embattled police officer, DCP Abba Kyari.
While Nigerian authorities said they were investigating the U.S. indictment, Mr Kyari was declared wanted in February by the NDLEA for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
Justice Emeka Nite of the Abuja Federal High Court, in June, sentenced Mr Kyari’s partners, Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwane, to six years imprisonment for drug trafficking.
The trial of the ex-deputy commissioner of police, kept in Kuje prison, has subsequently been fixed for July 18, 19 and 20.
Kabiru Dikko (Kabiru Sokoto)
Notorious for the 2011 Christmas Day bombing in Madalla, Niger State, many were relieved when police announced the eventual arrest of Kabiru Dikko, largely known as Kabiru Sokoto.
He masterminded the attack on the St Theresa Roman Catholic Church, which killed at least 37 persons and injured many others.
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