The panel, established to examine allegations against the crossdresser, Idris Okuneye (known as Bobrisky), recommended defamation and criminal charges against him for allegedly paying bribes to serve his jail term in a private setting and drop money laundering charges.
Bobrisky, who completed a six-month jail sentence for currency abuse on August 5, 2024, was alleged to have paid N15 million to EFCC officers to dismiss money laundering accusations.
Social critic Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, shared a voice recording where Bobrisky reportedly admitted to bribing EFCC officers and prison officials to serve his sentence outside standard detention facilities.
In response, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo launched a panel on September 30, led by Permanent Secretary Magdalena Ajani, to investigate these claims. The panel reported finding no evidence that Bobrisky resided outside the Kirikiri Custodial Centre but noted that his claims harmed the image of the correctional system.
They recommended the Department of State Services (DSS) further investigate any potential bribes to the EFCC or Correctional Service officials. If evidence is found, Bobrisky could face charges under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
The panel also recommended that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) file defamation charges against Bobrisky under the Criminal Code for his misleading claims.
Additionally, four correctional officers were implicated, including former Controller of Corrections Ben Rabbi-Freeman, who allegedly approved a questionable transfer of Bobrisky without proper documentation. The implicated officers may face disciplinary actions according to the NCoS’s guidelines.
The panel suggested further reforms, including auditing all detainees’ records, reducing commercialized inmate services, and implementing non-custodial measures to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities.
According to a senior NCoS official, while certain prisoners may receive accommodations based on health, age, or other factors, Bobrisky’s unique case highlighted the institution’s limited experience in handling transgender detainees, which required placing him in a secure, separate cell to prevent potential abuse.
