The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for a full-scale investigation into bribery and corruption allegations within the Nigerian Correctional Service. This directive comes amid a viral video where Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, made startling claims about his prison sentence arrangement.
Bobrisky, in a video shared by Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, alleged that after his sentencing, his influential godfather, working alongside the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, arranged for him to serve his six-month jail term in a private apartment rather than the correctional facility.
He revealed, “There’s jealousy involved. When I got to court, I admitted guilt, hoping for either a fine or community service. However, the court sentenced me. On my way to prison, my godfather called and assured me I wouldn’t enter prison. He told me not to worry and said he would arrange an apartment near the prison and speak to the Comptroller General of Prisons in Abuja.”
According to Bobrisky, he was taken to an apartment with strict instructions not to leave until his sentence was completed. He said the person managing the apartment demanded N10 million for the arrangement. “I had to call Elele again. Elele gave me N2 million because there was no one else to call,” he added.
Following these allegations, the Minister of Interior, through a statement by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, condemned the alleged misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that any form of corruption or indiscipline would be dealt with decisively.
In the statement, Alao Babatunde said, “The Minister of Interior has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service. Tunji-Ojo unequivocally condemned the alleged reprehensible behaviour, emphasizing that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, or corruption will be met with zero tolerance and severe consequences.”
The minister reiterated his commitment to upholding the values of transparency, integrity, and accountability within all paramilitary services under his ministry. He further stressed that efforts would be made to ensure that any personnel found guilty would face appropriate disciplinary action.
In addition to this, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, has been appointed to lead the investigative team. The statement read, “The minister has called for a special investigative team, headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, to probe these allegations and submit a comprehensive report.”
Tunji-Ojo also assured Nigerians that the investigation would be thorough, transparent, and impartial, promising that any officer found guilty would face the full force of the law.
