Bobrisky enjoyed some privileges in prison= FG panel

An investigative panel established by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has revealed that Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, received special treatment while incarcerated in both Medium and Maximum Security Custodial Centers.

Uju Agomoh, a member of the panel and the Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, presented the findings during a report reading in Abuja on Monday.

Online reports suggest that a controversial critic, Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, circulated a voice note purportedly from Bobrisky, claiming that a “godfather” and certain staff members of the Nigerian Correctional Service arranged for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment rather than in prison.

On September 30, the minister formed the panel, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalena Ajani, to investigate allegations of corruption and other misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

In her presentation, Agomoh noted that Bobrisky enjoyed numerous privileges during his time in custody, including furnished single cells, a humidifier, and frequent family and friend visits. She stated, “The panel found that Mr. Okuneye Idris benefited from various privileges in both Custodial Centres, such as furnished single cells, a humidifier, numerous visits from family and friends, self-feeding arrangements, designated inmates running errands for him, and possible access to a fridge, television, and even his phone.”

She emphasized the need for further investigation to determine whether these privileges were financially motivated and indicative of corruption among correctional officers. Agomoh also pointed out that Bobrisky’s transfer to a maximum security facility as a first-time offender contravened Sections 164A and 164B of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.

The panel, led by Magdalena Ajani, continues to investigate the alleged corruption and violations attributed to the Nigerian Correctional Service.