FG Sets Up Panel to Investigate Allegations Against Correctional Service Involving Bobrisky

 

The Federal Government has inaugurated a panel to investigate allegations of misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), following claims made by crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, officially launched the independent investigative panel on Monday. The committee has been tasked with examining specific accusations related to corruption, mistreatment, and torture of inmates by correctional officers, including the recent claims made by Bobrisky.

"We are committed to reforming the correctional service. This panel's core responsibility is to probe these allegations, and I expect their findings on Bobrisky’s case to be ready in two weeks," the minister stated. He emphasized that no individual, regardless of status, would be shielded from the investigation.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Magdalene Ajani, was appointed as the chairperson of the panel. Other members include Omotese Eva, Director of Legal; Nasir Usman, Director of Joint Services; Dr. Uju Agomoh, President of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA); and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, a Human Rights Radio consultant and forensic researcher.

Earlier, the minister, who also heads the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), suspended several officers in charge of the Kirikiri custodial centres in Lagos State. This followed allegations by Bobrisky, who claimed in a leaked phone conversation that, after being sentenced to six months in prison for naira abuse, he was held in a VIP facility rather than a regular prison. The recording was released by blogger Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan.

The panel’s investigation is expected to provide clarity and recommend reforms within the Nigerian Correctional Service.