The Federal Government has suspended several senior officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) over serious bribery allegations involving the controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
This significant move comes in the wake of a viral video posted by blogger Martins Otse, known online as VeryDarkMan.
In these videos, Otse alleged that some officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) received ₦15 million from Bobrisky to drop money laundering charges against him.
Bobrisky faced legal troubles earlier this year, culminating in a six-month prison sentence for naira abuse.
The allegations against the correctional officers have sent shockwaves through the Nigerian prison system.
According to the claims, Bobrisky not only paid the EFCC to influence the outcome of his case but also allegedly secured a favourable position in prison by paying additional sums of money.
Bobrisky has publicly denied these accusations, stating that he has not engaged in any wrongdoing.
However, the EFCC and NCoS have launched investigations into the claims made by Otse.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board announced the suspensions.
Ja’afaru Ahmed, who signed the statement, emphasised that the suspensions are meant to allow for thorough investigations into the various allegations.
Among those suspended are Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle, both Deputy Controllers of Corrections.
Anugwa is in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos State, while Adekunle oversees the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre in the same location.
Additionally, ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, was suspended for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility.
In a related case, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, another Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, was also suspended for allegedly receiving money on behalf of an inmate.
The suspensions have sparked public interest and concern regarding the integrity of the Nigerian prison system.
Many Nigerians are questioning how deep the corruption runs within the Correctional Service and the EFCC.
Social media has been buzzing with discussions on the implications of these allegations, with many calling for accountability and transparency.
Bobrisky’s legal issues began earlier this year when he was arrested and charged with money laundering and other related offences.
In April, he was sentenced to six months in prison for naira abuse, which refers to the illegal use or display of money.
This case gained significant media attention due to Bobrisky’s status as a popular social media personality and crossdresser in Nigeria.
