The Federal Government has promised that everyone connected to the alleged bribery case involving Bobrisky, also known as Idris Okuneye, a transvestite, will face consequences.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Interior Minister, made the commitment on Friday in Abuja during a news conference to commemorate one year in office.
A thorough inquiry into claims of bribery and corruption inside the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, had already been requested by the minister.
After learning that Bobrisky, who was given a prison sentence earlier this year, had not spent his entire sentence in the correctional facility, Tunji-Ojo issued the directive.
On Thursday, September 26, 2024, the Nigerian government suspended a few senior jail service officials during an ongoing inquiry through the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board.
The Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa, who oversees the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kiri-kiri, Lagos State, and Sikiru Adekunle, who oversees the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kiri-kiri, Lagos State, are both on suspension.
Additionally, the Board suspended ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, who is employed by the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly going with a convicted prisoner from the center to a place outside of it.
A second high-ranking official, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, who oversaw the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kuje, Abuja, was suspended for allegedly accepting money on behalf of a prisoner.
Speaking on the scandal involving bribery and corruption that is now upending the nation’s correctional service, Tunji-Ojo advised Nigerians to exercise patience and wait for the investigation’s conclusion.
However, he gave his word that everyone concerned would face the music.
“We will not spare anybody no matter how highly placed. Let’s be patient. Investigation is on but let’s be assured that nobody will be shielded and nobody will be protected,” the minister stressed.
He clarified that the probe would look into more than only the Bobrisky-related claims.
“It is not just about Bobrisky. Of the four people we suspended only two are linked to Bobrisky.The one in Afikpo took somebody out. This will continue. It is not going to stop here.”
The members of the investigating committee were characterized by Tunji-Ojo as honest individuals.
“Look at the integrity of the people that are involved. Let the integrity of the people in the committee give you confidence,” he added.
