Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, famously known as Bobrisky, may soon face new criminal charges.
Allegations have surfaced that he or she bribed officials to serve her or his recent prison sentence in a private residence and paid off officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop previous money laundering charges.
Bobrisky’s six-month sentence, originally for mishandling the naira, began on April 12, and she or he was released on August 5.
The Nigerian Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, initiated an investigation on September 30. The probe, led by Permanent Secretary Magdalena Ajani, aimed to uncover possible corruption in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) surrounding Bobrisky’s jail term.
This action followed a video posted by activist VeryDarkMan, where Bobrisky allegedly claimed he paid N15 million to EFCC officials to dismiss money laundering charges and bribed correctional officers to allow him to serve time in a private apartment. In the video, Bobrisky mentioned the influence of a “godfather” and NCoS Controller General Haliru Nababa.
Upon concluding its investigation, the panel found no evidence that Bobrisky served his sentence outside of Kirikiri Custodial Centre. However, the panel’s report recommended that Bobrisky face charges for defamation and possible corruption. The panel stated that his claims tarnished the NCoS’s reputation, calling for the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate his allegations of bribery. Should these claims be substantiated, the panel advised charges under anti-corruption laws.
The report specifically recommended defamation charges under sections 373-375 of the Criminal Code Act, as well as possible charges under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act if bribery is confirmed. Additionally, three correctional officers were singled out for disciplinary action due to lapses in following proper procedures. Among them was former Controller of Corrections Ben Rabbi-Freeman, who allegedly transferred Bobrisky between facilities without the required paperwork.
Other officials, such as Deputy Controller of Corrections Michael Anugwa and former Maximum Security Custodial Centre head DCC Balogun Sikiru, were also found to have made unauthorized or backdated transfer arrangements.
The panel recommended that the NCoS conduct an audit of all inmates’ records across its centers. They also called for stronger oversight of welfare services and support for partnerships with non-governmental organizations to improve the system. Furthermore, the panel urged an expansion of non-custodial measures nationwide to reduce inmate overcrowding.
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