The Federal Government’s investigative panel, formed to probe the controversy surrounding the jail sentence of Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has released its findings. The investigation was initiated on September 30 by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who appointed a panel led by Magdalena Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. The panel was tasked with investigating allegations of corruption and other violations within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The probe was launched following a video shared by the activist VeryDarkMan, in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have bribed officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to dismiss money laundering charges against him. The video also purportedly featured a voice, believed to be Bobrisky’s, claiming that a “godfather” and Haliru Nababa, the NCoS Controller General, facilitated his serving of the six-month sentence in a private apartment instead of a prison facility.
Presenting the initial report of the investigation at the Ministry of Interior, Uju Agomoh, Executive Director and Founder of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), stated that the panel found no evidence to support claims that Bobrisky was accommodated outside the prison during his sentence. According to Agomoh, the investigation confirmed that Bobrisky remained within the custodial centre from April 12, 2024, to August 5, 2024, with the appropriate six-month correctional term, inclusive of standard remission.
However, the panel highlighted that Bobrisky enjoyed several privileges while in custody at both the Medium and Maximum Security Custodial Centres. These privileges included access to a furnished single cell, a humidifier, regular visits from family and friends, self-catering arrangements, designated inmates for errands, access to a fridge and television, and possible use of a mobile phone.
The panel stressed the need for further investigation into whether these privileges were granted as a result of corrupt practices by correctional officers. They raised concerns that such special treatment could be financially motivated.
To address such issues in the future, the panel recommended the establishment of clear guidelines to standardize operations, ensuring fair treatment for all inmates regardless of their socio-economic status. They emphasized the importance of avoiding discriminatory practices and ensuring that privileges within the correctional system are not influenced by the wealth or status of inmates.
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