A panel investigating the privileges enjoyed by Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, during his time in prison has revealed that the cross-dresser had access to special treatment while serving his six-month sentence. According to the report, Bobrisky was housed in a single, specially furnished cell and was allowed access to a humidifier, a floor rug, a fridge, a television, and visits from family and friends. He also had a designated inmate to run errands for him and was possibly able to use his phone. These privileges were far beyond what is typically available to other inmates.
Despite rumors that Bobrisky may have been outside of prison during his sentence, the panel confirmed there was no evidence supporting claims that he left custody. His sentence ran from April 12, 2024, to August 5, 2024, with time reductions for good behavior. During this period, he was transferred between various Lagos prisons, including Ikoyi, Medium Security Prison, Kirikiri, and Maximum Security Prison, Kirikiri.
The investigation, led by Uju Agomoh of the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), also highlighted violations in the documentation process surrounding Bobrisky’s transfers. Official records for his moves between the prisons were not properly filed until months later, which breached sections 168 and 169 of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s regulations.
The report also touched on a related allegation involving Abdulrasheed Maina’s son, who was accused of transferring money to the personal account of Kelvin Ikechukwu, the Deputy Controller of Kuje Prison. The panel confirmed this claim to be true.
In response, Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, vowed that the findings of the report would not be ignored. He promised that all implicated officers would face disciplinary action, stating that the government would not tolerate corruption within the correctional system. He also emphasized the importance of reforming the prison system to ensure it is rehabilitative and fair for all inmates, rather than a space where privileged individuals can receive preferential treatment.
Tunji-Ojo assured the public that this investigation was only the beginning of a broader effort to clean up the Nigerian prison system, signaling a “new era” where accountability would be enforced and those who break the law within the correctional services would face consequences.