New revelations have surfaced about the six-month prison sentence served by popular Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. Sources disclosed that after his sentencing for spraying naira notes, Bobrisky was initially taken to Ikoyi Custodial Centre on April 12, 2024, before being transferred to Kirikiri’s Medium and later Maximum Security Custodial Centre.
According to credible sources, Bobrisky was moved between facilities due to the attention his presence attracted. “He spent a few days at Ikoyi prison before being transferred to Kirikiri’s Medium Security Custodial Centre by the prison controller,” a source revealed. Bobrisky was later relocated to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre after spending more time at the medium facility.
It was also disclosed that Bobrisky was placed in a special ‘VIP cell’, a space reserved for well-behaved inmates or those considered to be at risk if allowed to mingle with the general prison population. The source noted that such rooms can be furnished to an inmate’s preference, depending on negotiations with prison officials.
“There’s usually a fee for these special arrangements,” the source added, alleging that huge sums of money were often paid to secure VIP accommodations. However, the Nigerian Correctional Service spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, denied any preferential treatment for Bobrisky or other inmates, asserting that all convicts receive equal treatment.
Meanwhile, efforts to get Bobrisky’s reaction were unsuccessful as he did not respond to phone calls or messages sent to his social media accounts.
Bobrisky’s Legal Troubles
Bobrisky’s legal woes began after his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 3, 2024. He was charged with six counts of naira abuse and money laundering following a viral video showing him spraying N490,000 in naira notes at a movie premiere. Before trial, the EFCC dropped the money laundering charges, and Bobrisky pleaded guilty to the remaining charges of naira abuse, receiving a six-month prison sentence without the option of a fine.
Allegations of Prison Bribery
Controversy continued to trail Bobrisky after his release, as social media activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), accused him of borrowing N4 million to secure a private apartment during his time in prison. VDM also played an audio recording allegedly featuring Bobrisky admitting to paying N15 million to EFCC officials to drop the money laundering charges.
Bobrisky has since denied these claims, dismissing the audio as fake and insisting that he served his full sentence in a prison facility.
Government Response and Investigation
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has since launched an investigation into allegations of preferential treatment for Bobrisky and the bribery claims. Several senior officers at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre, including Deputy Controllers of Corrections Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle, have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
However, insiders within the correctional service criticized the suspensions, alleging that proper civil service procedures were not followed. “The officers weren’t served queries or given a chance to defend themselves before suspension,” a source said, describing the actions as a breach of civil service rules.
EFCC Launches Probe
The EFCC, under its new chairman Ola Olukoyede, has also initiated a probe into the bribery allegations. The commission has invited Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan for questioning. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that the investigation was underway but declined to disclose further details.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
Rights activists have expressed concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s correctional system, accusing prison officials of allowing wealthy convicts to receive special treatment. Debo Adeniran, President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, called for a thorough investigation into the allegations.
“These claims raise serious questions about the integrity of our correctional facilities. If officials are taking bribes to allow inmates to live luxuriously behind bars, then the justice system is compromised,” Adeniran said.
He urged the EFCC to identify and prosecute any officers found guilty of corruption to restore confidence in the system.
Similarly, legal practitioner Ridwan Abdulkareem emphasized the need for the law to take its course, urging authorities to ensure that Bobrisky and the accused officers are held accountable if the allegations are proven.
“Whether or not Bobrisky bribed officials, the law must be allowed to run its course. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it’s up to those making these claims to provide evidence,” Abdulkareem said.
