The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated an independent investigative panel to probe allegations of gross misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), following claims made by popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky. The committee, tasked with investigating corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates, was inaugurated on Monday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
In his address, the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and reform within the correctional system. “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,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
He further assured that no individual, regardless of their status, would be shielded from accountability. “We will rely on your legal guidance to ensure that whatever we do is in line with the law. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded,” he added.
The panel is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani. Other members include Mrs. Omotese Eva, Director Legal; 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 social impact expert.
The formation of the panel comes in the wake of allegations made by Bobrisky, who claimed to have served a six-month sentence for naira abuse in a VIP facility rather than in prison. A phone conversation between Bobrisky and blogger Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, was leaked, adding weight to the allegations. The House of Representatives has since invited both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan to further discuss the claims.
Prior to the inauguration of the panel, the Minister had already suspended several officers overseeing the maximum and minimum custodial centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State, where Bobrisky’s alleged preferential treatment occurred.
The panel’s findings are expected to be released within two weeks, shedding light on the integrity of the correctional system and addressing the serious allegations of misconduct.
