The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed that it is investigating allegations regarding the accommodation of convicted cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. The findings are still pending.
This was revealed by Abubakar Umar, Deputy Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Abuja.
Umar emphasized the service’s dedication to rehabilitation and safety through a thorough inmate admission process. He noted that Bobrisky was convicted in April for mutilating the naira and sentenced to six months in prison.
Additionally, social media influencer and human rights activist Vincent Otse, known as Very Dark Man, released an audio recording in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have spent his jail time in a private apartment. In the recording, Bobrisky also purportedly stated that he paid N15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges against him.
On September 30, the Federal Government established an independent investigative panel to address allegations of corruption and serious violations of standard operating procedures within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who inaugurated the committee, tasked it with investigating claims that some correctional service personnel had provided alternative accommodation for Bobrisky.
Umar clarified that inmates undergo thorough assessments to evaluate security risks, needs, and responsiveness upon arrival at custodial centers. The admission board assesses each inmate to ensure safe housing and effective rehabilitation while adhering to human rights principles.
He said: “Well, upon conviction of every offender from court, either awaiting trial or convicted, once they are brought to our facility, there is a process they go through before and during admission. Let me say during admission, there is what we call admission board, which comprises the officer in charge, the second in command, the medical officer in charge of the custodial center, the record officer and other relevant officers.
“They will go through the information contained therein in the warrants, also, before he will be allocated cell, there is what we call, determination of security.
“Determination of security refers to one’s risk assessment. The person risks self harm, safety of other inmate and officers. We also have what we call needs assessment, which is focused on criminogenic need areas. These are behaviours that may cause, criminal behavioural and other criminological needs.These are the things that we look into before an inmate is allocated cell.
“Furthermore, we also look at what we refer to as responsivity issues. There are things that can affect his participation in intervention or make it difficult for him to adjust to custodial life. So, having worked all this in, then it will be determined which cell such inmates will be allocated to,” he maintained.
He also mentioned that during Bobrisky’s court appearance and subsequent admission to the facility, he identified himself as male when asked to declare his gender.
He said: “But do not forget that there are some other features that are on him. So because of those determination, I mean, what I refer to as classification and also determination of security of the custodial centre, he was given an appropriate cell where he was kept.
“This is to also ensure that he is not under threat within our custodial centre and he is kept safe also. Well, one thing I want to say here is that the Minister of Interior has set up a committee to investigate the said Bobrisky staying outside our custodial centre
“So until the determination of such or the outcome of such investigations, I think we should let it rest.
“I am only telling you that once an inmate or people are convicted, or are brought to our custodial centres, we have a standard of treatment to them during admission.
“They will be put through checks and these checks guide us on determination of security of such person both to the person and to the custodial centre. But as to whether he was kept in our custodial facilities or he was kept outside the facility, until the determination of the outcome of the investigation on the allegations, I won’t be able to speak further on that.”
