National Telescope national telescope newspaper
An investigative panel set up by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has confirmed that popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, completed his jail term without staying outside prison walls.
Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison on April 12 for abusing the naira and was released in August.
Controversy arose when social critic Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, shared a voice note alleging that Bobrisky bribed EFCC officials with N15m to drop a money laundering charge.
In the voice note, Bobrisky claimed influential figures ensured he served his sentence in a private apartment instead of a prison.
Responding to these claims, the Minister formed an investigative panel chaired by Magdalena Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, to probe corruption allegations against the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Presenting the panel’s initial findings, Uju Agomoh, Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, stated there was no evidence that Bobrisky stayed outside the custodial center during his imprisonment from April 12 to August 5, which included the usual remission period.
During his confinement, Bobrisky was transferred between custodial centers from Kuje to Kirikiri-Apapa and finally to a Maximum Security Custodial Center, where he completed his sentence.
The panel also highlighted privileges Bobrisky enjoyed, including a furnished single cell, access to electronic devices, and frequent visits from family and friends.
However, his transfer to a maximum-security facility as a first-time offender was deemed a violation of Nigerian Correctional Service regulations.
The panel recommended establishing clear guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future and address discriminatory practices in inmate treatment.
