The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the suspension of several senior officers linked to misconduct during the custody of popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, commonly known as Bobrisky.
This confirmation comes after a parliamentary inquiry raised serious questions about the ethical standards of the custodial facilities involved.
Bobrisky, currently serving a six-month sentence at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre in Lagos, has been at the center of a growing scandal that has implications for the NCoS.
On Monday, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa, who oversees the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, claimed during a parliamentary session that he had not been suspended.
“I have not received any letter of suspension,” he asserted, despite official orders from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, which clearly stated otherwise.
The NCoS responded to Anugwa’s claims through its spokesman, ACC Abubakar Umar, who reiterated that the suspensions were effective from September 26, 2024.
Umar emphasized, “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a trending video of one of its senior officers purporting that the Service has not served him a letter of suspension.”
This statement indicates that the NCoS views Anugwa’s remarks as misleading and part of “an act of gross misconduct aimed at misleading the public.”
The officers suspended in this scandal include:
– Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa, officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri.
– Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Sikiru Adekunle, officer-in-charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri.
– Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Kevin Ikechukwu Iloafonsi, officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje.
– Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC II) Ogbule Samuel Obinna, stationed at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Umar highlighted that the suspensions were made to allow for thorough investigations into the officers’ alleged misconduct.
He stated, “The public is advised to remain resolute as the Service would ensure that a thorough investigation would be carried out and any person or group of persons found culpable would be punished in line with the Public Service Rules.”
The NCoS has faced scrutiny over its handling of Bobrisky’s case, especially regarding the claims of ethical violations.
Bobrisky’s current legal troubles began when he was convicted in April for fraud. His case quickly attracted public attention due to his fame and the controversial nature of his lifestyle as a cross-dresser.
As the allegations of misconduct surfaced, many began to question the integrity of the officers overseeing his custody. There are accusations that some officials sought bribes to ensure Bobrisky’s comfortable treatment in prison.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, took swift action after the allegations emerged. He ordered the suspension of the involved officers to restore public confidence in the NCoS.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for accountability, stating that “we will not tolerate any form of corruption within the service.”
As investigations continue, the NCoS has pledged to uphold transparency and justice.
“We will ensure that anyone found guilty of misconduct faces the consequences,” Umar assured the public. The hope is that this case will serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian correctional system.
