The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has vowed to punish any official involved in the alleged special treatment given to convicted crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, during his prison sentence.
Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months in prison, is alleged to have been given an apartment outside the custodial facility, sparking outrage and raising questions about the integrity of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, the minister promised a thorough investigation and emphasized that no one, regardless of their rank or position, would be shielded from the law.
“We will not spare anybody, no matter how highly placed,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He reassured the public that the suspension of senior NCoS officials involved in the case was a necessary step to ensure an unhindered investigation.
“Let’s be patient,” the minister urged, “but be assured that nobody will be protected, and nobody will be shielded.”
The controversy surrounding Bobrisky’s alleged preferential treatment has drawn widespread public attention. Many Nigerians have expressed their frustration over what they see as a failure of the correctional system to treat all inmates equally, especially when it comes to high-profile individuals like Bobrisky.
The investigation into the case is being led by a panel chaired by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior. Tunji-Ojo expressed full confidence in the panel’s ability to handle the matter impartially.
According to the minister, the committee members were carefully selected to ensure a fair and transparent process, with two members coming from civil society organizations.
The decision to involve members of civil society in the investigation panel highlights the government’s commitment to maintaining accountability and transparency in the correctional system.
The Bobrisky scandal has become a major test for the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Ministry of Interior. With the public closely watching how this case unfolds, Minister Tunji-Ojo’s administration is under pressure to prove its commitment to fighting corruption and indiscipline in the country’s prison system.
The minister reiterated that all officials found guilty of misconduct would face severe consequences, regardless of their rank or status.
“Investigation is ongoing, and we are leaving no stone unturned,” Tunji-Ojo assured the media. “Everyone who has been implicated will face the full weight of the law.”
During the media interface, Tunji-Ojo also highlighted the achievements of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in cracking down on oil bunkering, vandalism, and illegal mining across the country.
In the past year, the NSCDC has arrested over 2,254 individuals involved in oil bunkering and vandalism, with 550 of them currently under prosecution. Out of those prosecuted, 122 individuals have already been convicted.
The minister revealed that the NSCDC has successfully disrupted several organized crime networks. A total of 150 illegal refineries and 64 oil dumps have been destroyed in the past year. These operations have significantly curbed the illegal trade in stolen oil and have disrupted the activities of criminal syndicates profiting from Nigeria’s natural resources.
In addition to the government’s efforts to curb oil-related crimes, Tunji-Ojo also outlined the strides made in reforming Nigeria’s private security sector. The minister noted that the sector has made impressive progress, with 115 licensed security companies now operating legally.
“We are in the process of licensing an additional 178 companies, and 3,394 private security guards have undergone rigorous training,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The minister emphasized that this initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on the oil industry by diversifying the economy.
“Illegal mining is a serious threat to our natural resources and national security,” Tunji-Ojo said. “With the Mine Marshal initiative, we are committed to protecting our mining sector and maximizing its potential for national development.”
Tunji-Ojo also spoke about the government’s commitment to investing in the security sector. Over the past year, a significant number of officers have been promoted or upgraded to ensure a motivated and capable workforce.
The minister reported that 21,383 senior officers and 2,551 junior officers were promoted, while 818 junior officers were upgraded to senior officer cadre.
“We have provided extensive training to our personnel to maintain their readiness in the face of evolving security challenges,” the minister stated.
