An investigative panel announced on Monday that there is no evidence to support claims that popular Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, slept outside prison during his six-month jail sentence. The revelation came from Uju Agomoh, the Executive Director and founder of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, who read the phase one report of the panel at the Ministry of Interior.
Bobrisky, who was sentenced on April 12, 2024, for naira mutilation, was released from prison on August 5, 2024, after serving his sentence. His time in custody had been surrounded by controversy and speculation, particularly following accusations from popular activist VeryDarkMan, who claimed that Bobrisky had been allowed to stay in a lodge rather than the Kirikiri prison, thanks to the influence of a powerful godfather.
VeryDarkMan further fueled the rumors by releasing an audio recording in which Bobrisky allegedly admitted to bribing officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with N15 million to have his money laundering charges dropped. These accusations prompted an outcry and led to the intervention of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
In response to the claims, Minister Tunji-Ojo ordered an investigation into the allegations of corruption and other violations within the Nigerian Correctional Service. On September 30, Tunji-Ojo appointed an investigative panel, chaired by Magdalena Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. The panel was tasked with probing the “Alleged Corruption & Other Violations Against the Nigerian Correctional Service.”
However, after conducting their inquiry, Agomoh, speaking on behalf of the panel, confirmed that no evidence had been found to substantiate the claims that Bobrisky had slept outside the custodial centre during his imprisonment. “We did not find any evidence thus far that suggested that Mr. Okuneye slept outside the custodial centre during the period of his imprisonment, which was from 12th April 2024 to the 5th August 2024, which is a six-month correctional sentence with the usual remission applicable,” Agomoh stated.
This statement by the panel contradicts earlier public accusations and clears Bobrisky of any misconduct related to his prison stay. However, the panel’s findings do not address the separate bribery allegations involving the EFCC that were also raised during the investigation.
As the report unfolds, many are now focusing on what further actions, if any, will be taken regarding the bribery claims and the broader issue of corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
