An investigative panel established by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has confirmed that the well-known crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, completed his prison sentence.
Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison on April 12 for naira abuse and was released in August. Controversial commentator Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, shared a voice note purportedly from Bobrisky, in which he claimed to have paid N15 million to some officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to have money laundering charges dropped against him.
In the recording, Bobrisky also alleged that a “godfather” along with staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service arranged for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private residence rather than in a prison. On September 30, the minister established an investigative panel chaired by Magdalena Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, to investigate claims of corruption and other misconduct associated with the Nigerian Correctional Service.
During a briefing on Monday, Uju Agomoh, a panel member and the Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, stated that the panel did not find any evidence indicating that Bobrisky was housed outside the prison during his incarceration from April 12 to August 5, 2024. Agomoh explained that during this time, Bobrisky was moved from the Kuje Custodial Centre to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri-Apapa, Lagos, and then to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre from which he was discharged upon completing his sentence.
He noted that Bobrisky received numerous privileges in both custodial facilities, which included a furnished single cell, a humidifier, and frequent visits from family and friends. However, the panel found that his transfer to the maximum security unit as a first-time offender breached Sections 164A and 164B of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.
Agomoh pointed out that the investigation revealed Bobrisky enjoyed various special privileges while in custody, including a furnished cell, access to a fridge and television, and the possibility of using his phone. He emphasized the need for further investigation into whether these privileges were granted due to corrupt practices by correctional personnel.
The panel noted that the unique circumstances regarding Bobrisky’s appearance and behavior likely contributed to the special treatment he received. They recommended establishing clear guidelines for handling similar cases in the future to prevent discrimination based on inmates’ socio-economic status and other factors.
