An investigative panel established by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that popular Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, received special treatment while in custody at both the Medium and Maximum Security Custodial Centres.
According to The PUNCH, the panel’s findings were presented on Monday in Abuja.
Executive Director and founder of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, Uju Agomoh shared the panel’s findings while delivering the phase one report.
The panel was formed in response to allegations of corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The investigation was sparked after Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, shared an alleged voice note from Bobrisky, claiming a “godfather” and Nigerian Correctional Service staff ensured he served his six-month sentence in a private apartment rather than a traditional prison setting.
Agomoh noted that Bobrisky was given several privileges during his time in custody, including access to a private, furnished cell, frequent visits from friends and family, a humidifier, and even the ability to self-feed and have other inmates run errands for him.
He also reportedly had access to a fridge, television, and possibly a mobile phone.
“The panel found that Mr. Okuneye Idris enjoyed several privileges while in custody, which included furnished single cells, a humidifier, numerous visits from family and friends, self-feeding, designated inmates to run errands, and access to a fridge and television. There’s also a possibility that he had access to his phone,” Agomoh stated.
The panel has called for a deeper investigation to determine whether these privileges were granted due to financial incentives or corruption within the system.
Agomoh added that Bobrisky’s transfer to a maximum-security facility, despite being a first-time offender, violated sections 164A and 164B of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.
The panel, chaired by Magdalena Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, is also tasked with probing wider allegations of corruption and other violations within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
