All Indicted Officials Will Be Sanctioned – Interior Minister

By Omeiza Ajayi

The investigative panel set up to examine allegations that convicted cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, received special treatment during his six-month prison sentence, has submitted its report.

The panel dismissed claims that Bobrisky was kept outside the custodial center but confirmed that he enjoyed certain privileges while incarcerated.

The committee revealed that Bobrisky had access to a specially furnished single cell equipped with a humidifier, frequent visits from family and friends, which took place in the office of the custodial center’s in-charge, a floor rug, the ability to self-feed, a designated inmate to run errands for him, and access to a fridge and television. He may also have had access to his phone.

The panel found issues with the documentation of Bobrisky’s transfer between custodial centers, highlighting violations of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s regulations. Additionally, the report confirmed that Abdulrasheed Maina’s son transferred money into the personal account of the Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), Kelvin Iloafonsi Ikechukwu, for Maina’s welfare, a practice deemed unethical.

Panel Findings

The panel, chaired by Uju Agomoh, Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), reported that Bobrisky did serve his sentence in a correctional center from April 12, 2024, to August 5, 2024. He was transferred from Ikoyi Custodial Centre to Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre and later to Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre. The panel found no evidence that Bobrisky slept outside the custodial centers during his sentence.

However, the transfer of Bobrisky between the facilities violated sections of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, as proper documentation was not provided at the time of his transfers. These documents were backdated and filed much later, breaching protocol.

Special Privileges

Bobrisky was granted numerous privileges while in custody, including a specially furnished single cell, access to various comforts, and preferential treatment. The panel recommended further investigation to determine if these privileges were financially motivated and rooted in corruption by correctional officers. It also called for clear guidelines to avoid discriminatory practices based on socio-economic status in the future.

Maina’s Issue

Regarding the transfer of money by Abdulrasheed Maina’s son to DCC Kelvin Ikechukwu’s personal account, the panel found the action unethical, noting that it tarnished the image of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Even if Maina approved the transaction, it violated institutional regulations.

Systemic Issues and Recommendations

The report also identified widespread issues of corruption, indiscipline, and unethical behavior within the Nigerian Correctional Service. It recommended proper training for officers, especially those assigned to lead custodial centers, and highlighted the need to improve funding, welfare, and working conditions to curb corruption.

Minister’s Response

Interior Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, assured that the report would not be ignored and promised that all indicted officials would face appropriate disciplinary measures. He emphasized the government’s commitment to reforming the correctional service to create a rehabilitative and corrective institution, rather than a punitive one.

“This report marks the beginning of a broader reform process. We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and the necessary actions are taken to build a service that rehabilitates inmates and gives them a second chance at life,” the minister stated. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring that the report would be made public and followed by concrete actions.