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FG Panel Confirms Bobrisky Served Jail Time Despite Privileges

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 21st, 2024.

FG Panel Confirms Bobrisky Served Jail Time Despite Privileges

An investigative panel established by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has confirmed that popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, completed his prison sentence.

According to reports, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison on April 12 for naira abuse and was released in August.

Controversial critic Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, shared a voice note claiming that Bobrisky had paid N15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to dismiss money laundering charges against him. In the recording, Bobrisky mentioned that a “godfather” and staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service arranged for him to serve his sentence in a private apartment rather than in prison.

On September 30, the minister formed an investigative panel, chaired by Permanent Secretary Magdalena Ajani, to look into allegations of corruption and misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

During a report presentation on Monday, panel member Uju Agomoh, Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, stated that no evidence was found to support claims that Bobrisky stayed outside the prison during his sentence, which lasted from April 12 to August 5, 2024.

Agomoh explained that Bobrisky was moved from the Kuje Custodial Centre to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri-Apapa, Lagos, and finally to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre before his release.

While in custody, the panel noted that Bobrisky had several privileges, including a furnished single cell, a humidifier, frequent visits from family and friends, self-feeding, designated aides, and access to a fridge, television, and possibly a phone.

However, the panel also highlighted that transferring Bobrisky to a maximum security facility as a first-time offender violated sections of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.

Agomoh stated, “The panel found that Bobrisky enjoyed numerous privileges in both Medium and Maximum Security Custodial Centres. We need to investigate whether these privileges stemmed from corrupt practices among correctional officers.”

The panel expressed concerns about the treatment of inmates based on their appearance and behavior and recommended the establishment of clear guidelines to prevent discriminatory practices related to inmates’ socio-economic status and other factors.