The Federal Government has established a committee to investigate allegations of misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) made by crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the independent investigative panel on Monday.
“We are committed to reforming the correctional service. Your primary responsibility is to investigate specific allegations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers, particularly the recent case involving Bobrisky, which I expect to be resolved within two weeks,” the minister said in a statement from the ministry.
“We will rely on your legal expertise to ensure that all actions comply with the law. I also expect you to provide recommendations and facts that will be made public. Let me make it clear, no one will be shielded, regardless of their status,” he added.
The panel is chaired by Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, with other members including Omotese Eva, Director of Legal Affairs; Nasir Usman, Director of Joint Services; Dr. Uju Agomoh, President of the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and former board member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA); and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, a consultant with Human Rights Radio and expert in forensic research and social impact.
Earlier, the minister, who also chairs the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), suspended several officers in charge of the maximum and minimum custodial centers in Kirikiri, Lagos State, following the allegations by Bobrisky.
A phone recording, released by blogger Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, featured Bobrisky claiming that although sentenced to six months in prison for currency abuse, he served his time in a VIP facility instead of a standard prison.
The House of Representatives has also invited VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky, and others to provide testimony regarding the allegations.