An investigative panel has revealed shocking details about the luxurious treatment that convicted cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, received while serving a six-month prison sentence.
The panel, which was set up to investigate claims of favoritism, has now submitted its report, confirming that Bobrisky enjoyed a range of privileges far beyond what is usually available to inmates in Nigerian correctional centers.
While the panel dismissed rumors that Bobrisky was kept outside the custodial center, it confirmed that he was treated like royalty during his time behind bars.
The report disclosed that Bobrisky was housed in a specially furnished single cell, equipped with items that most inmates can only dream of.
His cell had a humidifier, floor rug, television, and even a fridge.
He was also allowed to self-feed, a luxury that other inmates do not have, and had a designated inmate to run errands for him.
The panel further revealed that Bobrisky received frequent visits from his family and friends, and these meetings took place in the office of the officer in charge of the custodial center.
There were also rumors that Bobrisky had access to his mobile phone while in custody, though this was not officially confirmed.
Apart from the special privileges granted to Bobrisky, the panel uncovered irregularities in the documentation of his transfer between different custodial centers.
Bobrisky was transferred from Ikoyi Custodial Centre to Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre, and later to Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre.
However, the panel found that these transfers were not properly documented as required by the Nigerian Correctional Service Act.
Instead, the documentation was backdated and filed much later, raising serious concerns about breaches of protocol and transparency within the system.
The report also hinted at the possibility that Bobrisky’s luxurious treatment may have been financially motivated.
The panel has called for further investigations into whether correctional officers received payments in exchange for granting Bobrisky these special privileges.
This has raised questions about corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service and whether wealth or influence can buy better treatment for inmates.
The panel emphasized that there must be clear guidelines to prevent discriminatory practices based on socio-economic status.
In response to the panel’s findings, Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, vowed that the government would not tolerate any form of corruption or favoritism within the correctional system.
The minister promised that all officials who were found to have violated the law or abused their positions would face disciplinary measures.
“This report marks the beginning of a broader reform process,” the minister said.
“We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and the necessary actions are taken to build a service that rehabilitates inmates and gives them a second chance at life.”
Tunji-Ojo also highlighted the importance of creating a correctional system that focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
He assured the public that the government is committed to transparency and will ensure that the report is made public, followed by concrete actions to address the issues raised.
The report also touched on another scandal involving Abdulrasheed Maina, a former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT) who is in prison for corruption.
The panel found that Maina’s son transferred money into the personal account of the Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), Kelvin Iloafonsi Ikechukwu.
Although the money was reportedly for Maina’s welfare, the panel labeled the transaction unethical and a violation of institutional regulations.
This transfer, the panel stated, further damaged the reputation of the Nigerian Correctional Service and highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of rules and regulations.
In its report, the panel pointed to deeper, systemic issues within the Nigerian Correctional Service, including corruption, indiscipline, and unethical behavior among officers.
It recommended that proper training should be provided to officers, especially those in charge of leading custodial centers.
The panel also emphasized the need to improve the funding, welfare, and working conditions of officers to curb corruption and encourage better practices.
The findings of this investigative panel have sparked outrage and brought to light the deep cracks within Nigeria’s correctional system.
The revelation that an inmate like Bobrisky could enjoy such privileges raises concerns about how wealth and status can influence the treatment of prisoners in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the involvement of Maina’s son in transferring money to a prison official has added another layer to the ongoing scandal surrounding corruption in the Nigerian prison system.
With the Interior Minister’s promise of reforms and accountability, many Nigerians are now waiting to see whether the government will follow through on its promises and bring those responsible to justice.
Civil society organizations and legal experts have already begun calling for swift action.
Many are demanding that the government act immediately to restore confidence in the correctional system.
“There can be no place for favoritism or corruption in our correctional centers,” said Uju Agomoh, the panel’s chair and Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA).
“We must create a system that treats all inmates equally, regardless of their wealth, influence, or status.”
