The Federal Government has pledged that no one involved in the alleged bribery case surrounding crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, will escape justice.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this commitment during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, marking his one year in office. He had earlier ordered a thorough investigation into accusations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The probe follows reports that Bobrisky, who was sentenced to prison earlier this year, did not serve his sentence within the correctional facility. In response, the Civil Defense, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board, on September 26th, 2024, suspended several senior prison officers linked to the case.
Among those suspended are Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kirikiri, Lagos, and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller at the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre, also in Kirikiri. Additionally, ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, from the MSCC in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, was suspended for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility. Another senior officer, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller at the MSCC in Kuje, Abuja, was also suspended for allegedly receiving money on behalf of an inmate.
Speaking about the ongoing scandal, Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to remain patient while the investigation is concluded but emphasized that justice will be served. "We will not spare anybody, no matter how highly placed. Let’s be patient, the investigation is ongoing, but rest assured that nobody will be shielded or protected," he assured.
The minister also clarified that the investigation extends beyond Bobrisky's case. "This is not just about Bobrisky. Of the four people we suspended, only two are linked to Bobrisky. The officer in Afikpo took an inmate out. This process will continue; it won’t stop here."
Tunji-Ojo further expressed confidence in the integrity of the investigation committee, urging the public to trust the process. "Look at the integrity of the people involved in the investigation. Their integrity should give you confidence," he added.
