The Federal Government has inaugurated an independent investigative panel to probe allegations of gross misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), following claims made by crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
The panel was inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday, with a mandate to investigate allegations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers.
The minister, in his statement, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, stating that no individual, regardless of their status, would be shielded during the investigation. He specifically referenced the recent allegations raised by Bobrisky, which must be addressed within two weeks.
“We want to really 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,” the minister said.
The panel will be chaired by Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. Other members include:
- Omotese Eva (Mrs.), Director of Legal Services;
- Nasir Usman, Director of Joint Services;
- Dr. Uju Agomoh, President of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and former board member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA);
- Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, Human Rights Radio consultant and forensic researcher with over 27 years of experience.
The inquiry follows Bobrisky’s allegations that, after being sentenced to six months in prison for naira abuse, he served his time in a VIP facility rather than a correctional center. A leaked phone recording shared by blogger Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, raised concerns about potential corruption within the correctional service.
In response to these claims, several officers overseeing the Kirikiri Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Lagos have already been suspended. The House of Representatives has also summoned Bobrisky, VeryDarkMan, and others involved to address the allegations.
