Recent discussions among prison experts have shed light on the reasons behind the separation of controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, from other inmates at the correctional facility. This clarification comes amid rumors that he was placed in a special VIP section of the prison.
During an appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, Bishop Kayode Williams, the Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, provided insight into how the Nigerian correctional system categorizes inmates.
He stated, “There are accommodations for condemned prisoners, those sentenced to death, who must not mingle with other inmates. The second accommodation is convicted inmates, who are the owners of the prison.”
Williams further elaborated on Bobrisky’s unique situation, saying, “The accommodation that is provided for males, are they going to bring Idris with his transgender body/look to go and sleep in the general cell? The first thing they do is decide how to treat someone like that.”
He explained that due to Bobrisky’s appearance, he was placed in protective custody. This decision was made to ensure his safety, as he might face dangers from other inmates. Williams noted that “he looks like a woman, moves like a woman, and there are homosexual inmates who would be willing to take things to extreme lengths,” indicating the potential risks involved.
Francis Enobore, the former National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, supported Williams’ statements. He explained that the correctional service evaluates each inmate’s background and appearance for their safety and that of others.
Enobore emphasized that while Bobrisky had identified as a man in court, his appearance as a woman could put him at risk among the general inmate population.
“Yes, he confessed in court that he is a man, but he came in bodily showing that he is a woman. Some of the people behind bars are unrepentant homosexuals. There is no doubt that if care is not taken, we will have a very serious security situation on our hands,” he said.
Despite the ongoing discussions about Bobrisky’s accommodations, Enobore firmly denied claims that he was given a private section within the prison. He stated, “There’s no such thing as a private apartment or anything special in the prison.”
This contradicts allegations made by Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, who shared a voice note claiming that Bobrisky had arranged for a private apartment during his six-month sentence for the abuse of naira notes, supposedly facilitated by his godfather and the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
In response to the rising controversies surrounding Bobrisky’s incarceration, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board announced on Thursday the suspension of two deputy controllers at the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre in Lagos. This suspension is linked to alleged bribery claims surrounding Bobrisky’s case.
