An investigative panel established by the Nigerian Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that notable crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has completed his jail term. According to reports from PUNCH Online, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison for abusing the Naira on April 12 and subsequently released in August. The case took an intriguing turn when a controversial social critic, Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, leaked a voice note allegedly belonging to Bobrisky in which he claimed to have bribed officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with N15 million to dismiss money laundering charges against him. The audio also contained Bobrisky’s assertion that a “godfather,” along with personnel from the Nigerian Correctional Service, facilitated his confinement in a private accommodation rather than a traditional prison setting.
On September 30, Minister Tunji-Ojo constituted the investigative panel, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalena Ajani, to scrutinize allegations of corruption and violations within the Nigerian Correctional Service. In a phase one report presented on Monday, panel member and Executive Director of the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, Uju Agomoh, reported that there was no supporting evidence that Bobrisky was kept outside the prison during his sentence. The panel determined that Bobrisky’s imprisonment spanned from April 12, 2024, until August 5, 2024, which aligns with his six-month sentence, accounting for standard remission.
The investigation revealed Bobrisky’s transfer between various correctional facilities, including the Kuje Custodial Centre, the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri-Apapa, and the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, from which he was eventually released. Despite the legal framework in place regarding inmate treatment, Agomoh indicated that Bobrisky experienced multiple privileges while incarcerated, such as accommodation in furnished single cells, access to amenities like humidifiers, and generous visitation rights for family and friends.
However, the panel’s findings highlighted a misuse of discretion regarding the transfer of Bobrisky to a maximum security facility as a first-time offender, which contradicts sections of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019. Agomoh stressed that such privileges raised questions about possible corrupt practices among correctional officers and the financial motivations behind the preferential treatment. The panel acknowledged that the unique aspects of Bobrisky’s case—considering his status and outward appearance—might have influenced the decisions made by correctional authorities, necessitating a discussion around the treatment standards for cases that might intimidate or challenge established norms.
The investigation emphasized the need for clearer guidelines to govern operational protocols concerning prisoners, particularly those with distinctive profiles. The panel accentuated the importance of ensuring equitable treatment for all inmates, advocating for measures to mitigate potential discriminatory practices based on social or economic status. This suggested that a systematic approach is necessary to address inequalities within the correctional system, ensuring that treatment within custodial facilities is consistent and follows the established legal framework rather than being favoritism-driven.
In summary, the panel’s findings have revealed concerning trends surrounding the treatment of Bobrisky while in custody, highlighting potential corruption and favoritism within the Nigerian Correctional Service. Moving forward, the panel has recommended that the Ministry of Interior establish stringent regulations to protect against discrimination in the treatment of inmates, fostering an environment where all individuals are treated justly, irrespective of their social or economic status. The investigation continues, underscoring the need for greater oversight within the correctional system to uphold integrity and fairness in the face of alleged misconduct.
