The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched an investigative panel to examine allegations of serious misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), brought forward by popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky. The panel was inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during an event held on Monday.
The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to reforming the correctional service and assigned the panel the task of investigating accusations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers. Special attention is being given to the allegations made by Bobrisky.
According to the minister, the investigation into this case should be completed within two weeks.”We are determined to thoroughly reform the correctional service,” the minister stated.
“Your primary responsibility is to investigate specific claims of misconduct, particularly those involving Bobrisky, and other related cases of corruption and abuse by officers. We will ensure that whatever actions we take align with the laws of the country. Your findings and recommendations will guide us on the way forward, and the results of this investigation will be made public. Let me be clear, no one, no matter their position or status, will be protected or exempted from accountability.”
The panel is chaired by Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. Other members of the panel include Omotese Eva, the Director of Legal Affairs; Nasir Usman, Director of Joint Services; Dr. Uju Agomoh, President of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and a former Board Member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA); and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, a consultant for Human Rights Radio and an expert in forensic research and social impact, with over 27 years of experience in corporate leadership.
Prior to the inauguration of the panel, Minister Tunji-Ojo, who also chairs the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), suspended several officers responsible for overseeing both the maximum and minimum custodial centers in Kirikiri, Lagos State. This action was taken following the allegations made by Bobrisky.
These allegations were first brought to public attention through a leaked phone recording, which was released by a blogger named Martins Otse, known online as VeryDarkMan. In the recording, Bobrisky claimed to have served a six-month sentence for the abuse of the Nigerian currency.
However, the leaked conversation suggested that Bobrisky had spent this time in a VIP facility rather than in prison, raising concerns about preferential treatment.
In response to the allegations, the House of Representatives extended an invitation to Bobrisky, VeryDarkMan, and others involved in the matter to further clarify the situation.