Investigative Panel Clears Bobrisky of Bribery Allegations
A government investigative panel established by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has officially cleared popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, of allegations that he bribed his way out of standard prison procedures during his recent imprisonment.
Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison in April 2024 for abusing the naira and was released in August.
Background of the Allegations
The panel, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalena Ajani, was tasked with investigating claims of corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service. These allegations arose after social media critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, released a viral audio recording suggesting Bobrisky paid ₦15 million to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials to avoid facing money laundering charges.
In the audio, Bobrisky allegedly claimed that a “godfather” and staff members of the Nigerian Correctional Service ensured he served his sentence in a private apartment rather than in prison. These claims prompted the Minister of Interior to launch an official probe.
Panel’s Findings
According to Uju Agomoh, Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and a member of the panel, no evidence was found to support the claim that Bobrisky spent any time outside the custodial centers during his imprisonment.
The panel confirmed that Bobrisky served his entire sentence from April 12 to August 5, 2024, moving between the Kuje Custodial Centre and the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Lagos.
Special Treatment in Custody
However, the panel did acknowledge that Bobrisky received privileges while in custody, including:
- Access to a furnished single cell with a humidifier
- Frequent visits from friends and family
- The ability to self-feed
- Assistance from inmates assigned to run errands for him
- Possible access to a refrigerator, television, and his phone
The panel noted that transferring Bobrisky to a maximum security facility as a first-time offender was a violation of Section 164A and 164B of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019. It recommended further investigation into whether his preferential treatment resulted from corruption within the correctional system.
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Conclusion
The panel’s report called for clearer guidelines on handling high-profile cases like Bobrisky’s to ensure fairness and transparency in Nigeria’s prison system.
While Bobrisky has been exonerated of bribery allegations, the revelations about his privileged treatment have sparked further debates about corruption within the correctional facilities.
As developments unfold, we will continue to provide updates on this case and the broader implications for prison reforms in Nigeria.
