An investigative panel established by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reported that popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, completed a jail term.
According to reports, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment on April 12 for abusing the naira and was released from prison in August.
Controversial social critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, had shared a voice note allegedly from Bobrisky, claiming she paid N15 million to some officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to drop money laundering charges against her.
In the recording, Bobrisky also alleged that a “godfather” and staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service helped ensure she served her sentence in a private apartment instead of a prison.
On September 30, the Minister set up an investigative panel chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalena Ajani, to probe these alleged acts of corruption and other violations involving the Nigerian Correctional Service.
On Monday, while presenting the panel’s phase one report, Uju Agomoh, a panel member and the Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, stated that the investigation found no evidence that Bobrisky served her sentence outside prison facilities after her sentencing.
Agomoh said, “The panel did not find any evidence thus far to suggest that Mr. Okuneye slept outside the custodial centre during his imprisonment, which lasted from April 12, 2024, to August 5, 2024, a six-month sentence with the usual remission.”
He explained that during this period, Bobrisky was transferred from Kuje Custodial Centre to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri-Apapa, Lagos, and finally to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, from where she was discharged after completing the sentence.
Agomoh also mentioned that Bobrisky was granted various privileges while in custody, such as a furnished single cell, a humidifier, and regular visits from family and friends.
However, the panel noted that Bobrisky’s transfer to a maximum security facility as a first offender was a violation of Section 164A and Section 164B of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.
Agomoh added, “The panel found that Mr. Okuneye Idris enjoyed several privileges at both the Medium and Maximum Security Custodial Centres, including furnished single cells, a humidifier, frequent family visits, self-feeding, designated inmates to run errands, and access to a fridge, television, and possibly a phone.
“There is a need for further investigation to determine if these privileges were granted due to financial incentives and corrupt practices by correctional officers.
The panel noted that the peculiar circumstances of this case, as well as the inmate’s physical appearance and behavior, might have prompted the provision of these privileges.
“The panel recommends establishing clear guidelines to handle such cases in the future and urges measures to prevent discriminatory practices based on inmates’ socio-economic status and other attributes.”
