The Federal Government of Nigeria has set up an independent five-member investigative panel to look into allegations of corruption and violations of operational procedures within the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS). The announcement was made on Monday in Abuja by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the panel’s inauguration.
This investigation is part of broader efforts to address growing concerns about transparency and accountability within the NCoS. The Minister emphasized that the panel would focus on specific allegations, including recent claims that some personnel of the correctional service provided alternative accommodations to convicted Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo stated that the formation of the investigative body is crucial to sanitizing the correctional system and ensuring the rule of law is upheld. He pointed out that his office, in its role as the Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), had already taken preliminary steps by suspending several officers in charge of Kirikiri Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Lagos. This suspension was directly linked to allegations surrounding Bobrisky’s treatment during incarceration.
The minister reiterated the importance of a thorough and unbiased investigation, ensuring that no one is shielded from justice. He stated, “We want to reform the correctional service. Your core responsibility is to investigate specific allegations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers, especially the immediate one on Bobrisky which I expect to be out in two weeks.”
Leading the panel is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, who was tasked with ensuring that the investigation is conducted professionally and in line with legal guidelines. Other members include Omotese Eva, Director of Legal Services; Nasir Usman, Director of Joint Services; Dr. Uju Agomoh, President of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA); and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, a forensic researcher and human rights consultant.
The panel will not only investigate these specific allegations but also identify systemic issues within the correctional service. Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged the committee to propose both immediate and long-term solutions to prevent similar occurrences in the future. He highlighted the need for reforms that will address the root causes of these problems and ensure the service operates transparently.
