The Federal Government has mandated a thorough and unconditional investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
This was announced by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Babatunde Alao.
The investigation follows a Facebook live post by social activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, on Tuesday evening, where he shared a leaked audio clip.
The clip allegedly features a conversation between cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, and another individual discussing how his godfather helped him avoid serving time at the Custodial Centre, despite being sentenced to six months in prison for defacing Nigeria’s currency, the Naira.
The audio also claims that senior officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) demanded a bribe of N15 million to dismiss money laundering charges against him.
In the statement, Minister Tunji-Ojo condemned the alleged misconduct, stating that any form of indiscipline, corruption, or unprofessional behavior would not be tolerated within the paramilitary services under his Ministry.
He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to upholding integrity, transparency, and accountability.
“The Ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values. We will ensure that corruption is thoroughly rooted out, and those found guilty will face serious consequences,” the Minister declared.
A special investigative team, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, has been appointed to probe these allegations and deliver a detailed report.
The Minister assured the public that the investigation would be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, and any personnel found guilty would face appropriate disciplinary action.
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