An investigative panel established by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has confirmed that popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, served his full jail term.
It was reported that Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison on April 12 for currency abuse and was released in August.
Controversial social commentator Martins Otse, widely recognized as VeryDarkMan, had circulated a voice note purportedly from Bobrisky, claiming he paid N15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges against him. In the recording, Bobrisky alleged that a “godfather” and staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service facilitated his incarceration in a private accommodation rather than a traditional prison setting.
On September 30, the minister formed an investigative panel led by Permanent Secretary Magdalena Ajani to examine allegations of corruption and other violations within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
During the panel’s phase one report presentation on Monday, Uju Agomoh, a member of the panel and founder of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, stated that there was no evidence to support claims that Bobrisky had slept outside prison during his sentence.
“The panel found no evidence suggesting that Mr. Okuneye was outside the custodial facility during his imprisonment from April 12 to August 5, 2024,” Agomoh said. He detailed that Bobrisky was moved from the Kuje Custodial Centre to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri-Apapa, Lagos, and then to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, from which he was released after completing his sentence.
While in custody, Bobrisky reportedly had access to various privileges, including furnished single cells, humidifiers, and numerous visits from friends and family. However, the panel noted that his transfer to a maximum security facility as a first-time offender breached sections 164A and 164B of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.
“The panel also discovered that Mr. Okuneye enjoyed several privileges while in custody, such as self-feeding, designated inmates running errands for him, and potential access to a fridge, television, and possibly a phone,” Agomoh added.
The panel emphasized the need for further investigation to determine if these privileges were granted due to corrupt practices by correctional officers. They also highlighted the need for clear guidelines to manage cases involving inmates with unique circumstances, aiming to eliminate discriminatory practices based on socio-economic status.
