The Federal Government has pledged that all individuals implicated in the alleged bribery scandal involving Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, will face appropriate consequences.
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reiterated this commitment during a press conference held on Friday in Abuja to commemorate his first year in office.
Tunji-Ojo had previously mandated a thorough investigation into claims of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), prompted by reports indicating that Bobrisky, who received a prison sentence earlier this year, did not fulfill his term within the correctional facility.
In light of the ongoing inquiry, the Nigerian Government, via the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, announced the suspension of several senior officials from the nation’s prison service on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Those suspended include Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) overseeing the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kiri-Kiri, Lagos State, and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) in charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in the same location.
Additionally, ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, stationed at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, was suspended for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility.
Another senior officer, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) responsible for the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kuje, Abuja, was suspended for reportedly accepting money on behalf of an inmate.
Addressing the ongoing bribery and corruption issues within the correctional service, Tunji-Ojo urged the public to remain patient until the investigation is concluded, assuring that all parties involved will be held accountable.
“We will not spare anybody no matter how highly placed. Let’s be patient. An investigation is on but let’s be assured that nobody will be shielded and nobody will be protected,” Tunji-Ojoo stated, stressing that the investigation will go beyond the allegations involving Bobrisky.
“It is not just about Bobrisky. Of the four people we suspended only two are linked to Bobrisky. The one in Afikpo took somebody out. This will continue. It is not going to stop here.”
Tunji-Ojo described the persons in the investigation committee as people of integrity.
“Look at the integrity of the people that are involved. Let the integrity of the people in the committee give you confidence,” he added.
