An investigative panel set up by the minister of interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has stated that crossdresser Idris Okuneye widely known as Bobrisky enjoyed special privileges while he was in prison.
Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment on April 12, 2024 for abusing the naira and was released in August after completing his sentence.
However, an investigation was required when social media personality Martins Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan posted an audio recording allegedly from Bobrisky.
In the recording, Bobrisky claimed to have paid N15 million to some officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charge against him.
He also alleged that a “godfather” and some officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) helped him serve his sentence in a private apartment instead of a prison.
Following these allegations, Tunji-Ojo established an investigative panel on September 30, 2024, chaired by Magdalena Ajani, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, to probe the claims of corruption within the NCS.
Presenting the findings of the panel’s first phase on Monday, executive director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and a panel member Uju Agomoh confirmed that there was no evidence to support the claim that Bobrisky avoided prison.
“The panel did not find any evidence thus far that suggested that Mr. Okuneye slept outside the custodial centre during the period of his imprisonment, from April 12 to August 5, 2024.
“He served the six-month correctional sentence with the usual remission applicable,” Agomoh stated.
However, the panel also revealed that Bobrisky enjoyed certain privileges during his incarceration.
“The panel found that Mr. Okuneye enjoyed several privileges while in custody at both medium and maximum security facilities, including a furnished single cell, a humidifier, frequent visits from family and friends, and the option of self-catering,” the statement read.
They further emphasised the need for continued investigation to determine if these privileges were financially motivated or the result of corrupt practices by NCS officers.