Controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, is facing potential criminal charges amid allegations of bribery and misconduct related to his imprisonment. According to exclusive reports from reliable news outlets, an investigative panel has recommended that Bobrisky be charged with defamation and other criminal offenses. This development follows a series of troubling claims regarding his recent incarceration.
Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison on April 12 for abusing the naira, but was released on August 5. Shortly after his release, social critic Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, shared a voice note purportedly featuring Bobrisky discussing bribing officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with N15 million to drop money laundering charges against him. The crossdresser allegedly stated, “I bribed them to avoid further trouble.”
In response to these allegations, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, initiated an investigation on September 30, appointing a panel led by Permanent Secretary Magdalena Ajani to delve into the claims. The panel’s report, which has now been made public, revealed that there was no evidence supporting the claim that Bobrisky served his jail term outside the Kirikiri Custodial Centre.
The findings indicate that Bobrisky has “tarnished the image of the correctional service with false claims.” The report explicitly called for the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate whether Bobrisky bribed EFCC or correctional service officials. “If substantiated, Bobrisky should face charges under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act,” the report stated.
Furthermore, the panel recommended that the Nigerian Correctional Service file defamation suits against Bobrisky for allegedly making misleading statements about bypassing the prison system. “His actions have tarnished the institution’s reputation,” the report emphasized.
The investigation also implicated four correctional officers who are recommended for disciplinary action. Among them is Ben Rabbi-Freeman, a former Controller of Corrections, accused of improper documentation related to Bobrisky’s transfer during his imprisonment. The report detailed serious procedural violations, stating that Rabbi-Freeman “effected the transfer without proper documentation.”
Deputy Controller of Corrections Micheal Anugwa was also singled out for disciplinary measures. He allegedly admitted during a parliamentary inquiry that he had not been suspended, despite an official order. Anugwa is accused of accepting Bobrisky into the custody without the required documentation.
In addition, former Maximum Security Custodial Centre head, DCC Balogun Sikiru, and DCC Sikiru Kamoru Adekunle were also found at fault for mishandling documentation regarding Bobrisky’s imprisonment. The report criticized the officers for backdating transfer documents, which raises serious questions about the integrity of the correctional system.
To address these systemic issues, the panel recommended an audit of all inmates and detainees within the Nigerian Correctional Service, calling for an ongoing oversight mechanism. “We need to ensure that all records are accurate and that no one is improperly detained,” the report asserted.
The panel’s recommendations extend to the commercial practices surrounding inmate welfare. It urged for the “decommercialisation of all welfare and support services to inmates,” emphasizing the need for sustainable funding and partnerships with civil society organizations.
Finally, the report called for the implementation of non-custodial measures to alleviate overcrowding in custodial centres. “Imprisonment should only be used as a last resort,” the report concluded, stressing the importance of reforming the correctional system to prevent future abuses.
