The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into claims of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
According to The PUNCH, the directive follows a viral video where popular social media influencer Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, alleged that his prison sentence was served outside official facilities, courtesy of high-level collusion.
In a video shared by online personality Martins Otse, alias VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky claimed that after his conviction, his “godfather” and senior officials within the Nigerian Correctional Service arranged for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment instead of a correctional facility.
Bobrisky reportedly stated, “When I got to court, I pled guilty, expecting a fine or community service, but the court handed down a prison sentence. On my way to prison, my godfather called and assured me that I wouldn’t enter prison. He arranged an apartment near the prison, coordinating with the Comptroller General of Prisons in Abuja.”
He added that N10 million was demanded by the person overseeing the apartment to keep him there during the sentence, though his contact managed to secure N2 million.
In response to these allegations, Minister Tunji-Ojo condemned the alleged misconduct. Through a statement issued by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, the minister vowed that the investigation would be uncompromising.
“The Minister of Interior has directed a comprehensive investigation into the alleged bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service,” the statement read.
“We will not tolerate any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, or corruption within the paramilitary services under the Ministry’s purview.”
The minister further stressed the ministry’s commitment to transparency and integrity, adding that those found guilty would face strict disciplinary actions. “Any personnel involved will be dealt with according to the law,” he warned.
To ensure the investigation’s impartiality, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, has been appointed to lead the probe. The minister assured the public that the investigation would be “rigorous, transparent, and thorough.”
