The Federal Government has suspended senior officers at Kirikiri Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Lagos following allegations that cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, received special treatment during his incarceration. The suspension comes after leaked audio suggested that Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months in prison, was allowed to live in an apartment outside the prison facility.
Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Ja’afaru Ahmed, made the announcement in a statement on Thursday. He confirmed that Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections at Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre, and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections at Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, were suspended to allow for a thorough investigation into the bribery allegations. Ahmed assured the public that the outcome of the investigation would be made public upon conclusion.
The suspension follows a directive from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who had earlier initiated an investigation into the allegations on Wednesday. The probe aims to uncover the full extent of the accusations surrounding preferential treatment for inmates, particularly in high-profile cases.
Additionally, ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna from Afikpo, Ebonyi State, was also suspended for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility. Another officer, Loafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections at Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abuja, was also suspended for allegedly accepting money on behalf of an inmate.
The case has sparked public outrage, raising concerns about corruption and special privileges granted to inmates in Nigeria’s correctional system. The federal government has vowed to hold any individuals found guilty of misconduct accountable.
