Apartment outside Prison; Federal Govt vows strict action against anyone found culpable in Bobrisky saga 

Apartment outside Prison; Federal Govt vows strict action against anyone found culpable in Bobrisky saga

 

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has pledged to impose strict sanctions on any officials found culpable following allegations that convicted controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was given preferential treatment by being provided an apartment outside the correctional facility despite his six-month prison sentence.

During a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, the minister announced that senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) have been suspended to facilitate a thorough investigation into the incident.

“We will not spare anyone, regardless of their position. We ask for patience as the investigation proceeds, but rest assured, no one will be shielded or protected,” Tunji-Ojo stated.

He expressed confidence in the investigative panel led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, emphasising that its members were carefully chosen, including representatives from civil society.

Regarding vandalism, the minister noted that over the past year, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 2,254 vandals and oil bunkerers, with 550 currently facing prosecution and 122 convictions already secured.

He said: “In addition, the NSCDC disrupted organised crime networks by destroying 150 illegal refineries and 64 illegal oil dumps.

“The reform of the private security sector has also yielded impressive results. 115 licensed companies are now legally operating, and we are in the process of licensing an additional 178 companies. Moreover, a total of 3,394 private security guards have undergone rigorous training, while the sector generated an impressive revenue of ₦861,620,500.

“In alignment with our economic diversification goals, we launched the Mine Marshal initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Steel to combat illegal mining and boost national revenue. This is just one example of our commitment to reducing dependency on the oil industry.

“Our personnel have received extensive training to maintain readiness in the face of evolving security challenges. Over the past year, 21,383 senior officers and 2,551 junior officers were promoted, while 818 junior officers were upgraded to senior officer cadre, ensuring a motivated and capable workforce. We have also prioritized the National Plan on Safe School initiative, providing a secure environment for our children to learn without fear.”