The Nigerian government has taken decisive action against several senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service following allegations of bribery and misconduct related to the treatment of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. Bobrisky, a well-known cross-dresser, was sentenced to six months imprisonment, yet reports suggest he was granted unauthorized privileges while in custody.
The scandal came to light after an audio recording leaked online, implying that Bobrisky had been allowed to stay in an apartment outside of the custodial centre, in violation of standard prison protocols. This revelation led to widespread public outrage and calls for accountability.
Government Response and Suspensions
In response, on Wednesday, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered an immediate investigation into the matter. The following day, Ja’afaru Ahmed, Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), issued an official statement from Abuja, announcing the suspension of the officers involved.
Ahmed stated: “Following the viral video trending on social media regarding alleged infractions by officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service relating to Mr. Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has suspended the following Senior Officers of the Service, pending the outcome of the investigation.”
The officers affected by this suspension are:
Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), responsible for the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kirikiri, Lagos State.
Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kirikiri, Lagos State.
Both officers were allegedly involved in allowing Bobrisky unauthorized access to facilities outside the correctional centres under their supervision.
Wider Allegations and Additional Suspensions
The scandal extends beyond the Kirikiri Custodial Centres, as additional misconduct allegations have surfaced regarding other officers in different locations. The CDCFIB has also suspended:
ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, an officer from the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, who is accused of escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility without authorization.
Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, was also suspended for allegedly accepting bribes on behalf of an inmate.
These allegations, if proven true, would be a serious violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s codes of conduct, highlighting systemic issues within the custodial system.
Assurance of Transparency
Ja’afaru Ahmed, in his statement, assured the public that the investigation into these allegations would be thorough and transparent. “The government is committed to ensuring that justice is served, and any officer found guilty of misconduct will be held accountable. The findings of the investigation will be made public upon its conclusion,” he said.
Public Reactions
The suspensions have sparked debates across the country, with many citizens expressing outrage over the possibility of such high-profile inmates receiving special treatment. Social media has been abuzz with reactions, with some accusing the Nigerian Correctional Service of being susceptible to corruption, while others called for deeper reforms within the system.
The involvement of such a public figure as Bobrisky in this controversy has only heightened interest in the case, as many are eager to see how the government handles the investigation.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, now under scrutiny, is expected to implement reforms to prevent future incidents of misconduct.
Conclusion
This latest development adds to the growing list of scandals plaguing Nigeria’s prison system. The suspension of these officers signals the government’s intent to restore order and integrity within the correctional facilities, though the outcome of the investigation will be closely monitored by the public. For now, the nation waits to see if the allegations will lead to a wider reform of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
