The Nigerian government has vowed to hold everyone involved in the alleged bribery scandal surrounding popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, accountable. This promise was made by Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, during a press briefing in Abuja marking his first year in office.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that no individual implicated in the bribery case, regardless of their position, will be spared from punishment. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring transparency and justice in this matter.
The bribery scandal came to light after reports suggested that Bobrisky, who had been sentenced to prison earlier in 2024, did not serve his jail term within the correctional facility. In response, the minister ordered a full investigation into the corruption allegations within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
As part of this investigation, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board announced on September 26, 2024, the suspension of several senior officials within the country’s prison system.
Among those suspended were Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kiri-kiri, Lagos State, and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections for the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), also in Kiri-kiri, Lagos.
Another official, ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, stationed at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, was also suspended for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the prison facility.
Additionally, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, was suspended for reportedly accepting bribes on behalf of an inmate.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to remain calm and patient as the investigation unfolds, but he reassured the public that justice will be served. “We will not spare anybody no matter how highly placed. Let’s be patient. Investigation is on but let’s be assured that nobody will be shielded and nobody will be protected,” he stated firmly.
The minister also pointed out that the investigation extends beyond Bobrisky’s case, explaining that of the four suspended officials, only two are directly linked to the crossdresser’s case. He further clarified that the investigation would continue and would not stop with these initial suspensions.
“This will continue. It is not going to stop here,” Tunji-Ojo declared, adding that the investigative committee was composed of individuals with high integrity. “Look at the integrity of the people that are involved. Let the integrity of the people in the committee give you confidence,” he concluded.
