Bobrisky: Panel shocking revelation indicts prison controller, 3 others

Bobrisky: Panel shocking revelation indicts prison controller, 3 others

Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, could soon face fresh criminal charges following allegations that he bribed officials to secure private accommodation during his jail term and influenced the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges.

An investigative panel established by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, presented its findings, recommending that Bobrisky be charged with defamation and criminal offences.

The panel, chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalena Ajani, was tasked with probing Bobrisky’s claims after he was released from prison on August 5. He had been sentenced to six months in prison on April 12 for currency abuse.

The panel’s report revealed no evidence that the crossdresser stayed outside the Kirikiri Custodial Centre during his imprisonment but noted that his public statements had damaged the reputation of the correctional service.

The Department of State Services (DSS) was urged to investigate whether Bobrisky, either directly or through intermediaries, bribed EFCC or correctional service officials. If confirmed, the panel recommended charges under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service should file defamation suits against Bobrisky under sections 373-375 of the Criminal Code Act for his false claims about bypassing the prison system and tarnishing the institution’s reputation,” the report stated.

Four correctional officers, including former Controller of Corrections were indicted and recommended for disciplinary action.

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The embattled former controller was accused of approving Bobrisky’s transfer between custodial centres without proper documentation, an action later backdated. Others facing sanctions include Deputy Controller, who received Bobrisky into the medium-security facility without proper records.

A senior officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service explained that the housing arrangement for Bobrisky was based on his unique circumstances, describing it as part of a “special facility” rather than preferential treatment. “Bobrisky is physically male from the waist down and female from the waist up, a scenario we hadn’t encountered before. He was placed in a separate cell to prevent abuse, which he misunderstood as a private apartment,” the officer said.

The case has reignited discussions around the treatment and rights of crossdressers and transgender individuals in Nigeria. Human rights advocates, including Femi Adeyeye, have called for special accommodations in correctional facilities for individuals based on their gender identity.

Adeyeye criticized the conditions at Kirikiri Custodial Centre, arguing that the government should provide humane treatment for all inmates. “A dedicated cell for transgender individuals is necessary, and the government should prioritize such reforms,” he said. Another activist, Michael Adaramoye, emphasized that while Nigeria must respect individuals’ rights to sexual freedom, societal concerns also need to be considered.

The panel further recommended a thorough audit of all correctional facilities to enhance transparency and prevent similar incidents in the future. It also advised that welfare services for inmates be adequately funded and de-commercialized, with partnerships established with civil society organizations to improve oversight.

Human rights lawyer Toyin Taiwo-Ojo added, “The government’s unclear stance on homosexuality needs reconsideration to avoid long-term challenges in cases like Bobrisky’s.”

The controversy has spotlighted the growing challenges correctional institutions face in adapting to evolving social realities and respecting inmates’ rights while maintaining order within their facilities.

Bobrisky: Panel shocking revelation indicts prison controller, 3 others

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