An FG panel investigating claims surrounding Bobrisky’s time in prison confirmed she received several privileges, sparking concerns about corruption and unequal treatment within Nigeria’s correctional system.
A Federal Government investigative panel has revealed that popular Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, enjoyed several privileges while serving a six-month jail sentence for currency abuse. The panel, headed by Magdalena Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, released its findings on Monday, detailing Bobrisky’s time in custody between April 12, 2024, and August 5, 2024.
The investigation was launched following allegations made by activist VeryDarkMan, accusing Bobrisky of bribing officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to avoid money laundering charges. Additionally, a video surfaced in which a voice, alleged to be Bobrisky’s, claimed that she served her prison sentence in a private apartment due to the intervention of a “godfather” and Haliru Nababa, Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
According to Uju Agomoh, Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), the panel did not find evidence that he served her sentence outside prison walls. However, the report uncovered that he enjoyed several special privileges while in custody, including a furnished single cell, frequent family visits, self-feeding arrangements, access to a humidifier, television, refrigerator, and the use of inmates to run errands. There were also concerns that Bobrisky may have had access to a mobile phone during her sentence.
The panel expressed concern over Bobrisky’s transfer to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri-Apapa, Lagos, after initially being held at Kuje Custodial Centre. As a first-time offender, this transfer violated Section 164A and Section 164B of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019, which specifies proper procedures for incarcerating offenders.
The privileges granted to Bobrisky raised suspicions of financial incentives or corrupt practices by correctional officers. The panel called for further investigations into whether these special treatments were motivated by bribery. Additionally, it recommended clearer guidelines for handling similar cases in the future to prevent favoritism and ensure equal treatment of inmates, regardless of socio-economic status.
The case has reignited public discourse on the Nigerian correctional system, with concerns about how influential figures might receive preferential treatment over ordinary citizens.
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