The investigative panel set up by the Federal Government to probe allegations of corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service and that convicted cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was kept out of the correctional facility while serving his six-month prison sentence, has dismissed such claims.
While briefing Journalists in Abuja, a member of the Panel and also the Executive Director and founder of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), Uju Agomoh said there was no evidence to support the allegations that Bobrisky stayed outside the correctional facility during his sentence.
The Panel further disclosed that Bobrisky received certain privileges during his time behind bars, however recommends that clear guidelines be set up to guide operations regarding such incidents in future and steps should be taken to avoid discriminatory practices amongst inmates.
The report also indicates that Bobrisky was transferred between various facilities, including the Kuje Custodial Centre and the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri-Apapa, Lagos before ultimately being moved to a Maximum Security Custodial Centre, where he completed his sentence.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had on September 30, set up an investigative panel, led by the Permanent Secretary Magdalena Ajani, to probe the allegations and other possible violations involving the Nigerian Correctional Service.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
