An investigative panel established by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has disclosed that Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, enjoyed special privileges while incarcerated at both the Medium and Maximum Security Custodial Centres. This revelation was made by Uju Agomoh, a panel member and the Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, during a report presentation in Abuja.

The investigation was prompted by allegations of corruption and misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service, following a voice note shared by social critic Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan. In the voice note, Bobrisky claimed that a “godfather” and correctional service staff members facilitated his six-month sentence in a private apartment rather than in prison.

During the report’s reading, Agomoh detailed the various privileges Bobrisky was granted while in custody, including:

– Furnished single cells
– Access to a humidifier
– Frequent visits from family and friends
– Self-feeding arrangements
– Designated inmates to run errands for him
– Access to a fridge and television
– Possible access to his phone

The panel emphasized the need for further investigation into whether these privileges were financially motivated and indicative of corrupt practices among correctional officers. Agomoh noted that Bobrisky’s unique case may have influenced the decision to grant such privileges, given the perceived threat posed by his physical appearance and behavior.

Additionally, Agomoh highlighted a violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019, stating that Bobrisky’s transfer to a maximum security facility as a first-time offender was against established regulations.

The panel’s findings underscore ongoing concerns regarding the integrity of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the treatment of inmates, particularly those in high-profile cases. The investigation is part of a broader inquiry into corruption and misconduct within the correctional system.