Controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, may face new criminal charges following allegations that he served his jail term in a private apartment and bribed Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials to dismiss money laundering charges against him.
A panel set up to investigate these claims recommended that he should face defamation and criminal charges. Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison on April 12 for abusing the naira and was released on August 5.
Shortly after his release, social critic Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, shared a voice note of a conversation where Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have bribed EFCC officers with N15 million to drop the money laundering charges. He also asserted that he bribed officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service to serve his sentence in a private apartment.
In response, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, established an investigation panel on September 30, chaired by Permanent Secretary Magdalena Ajani, to probe the claims. The panel concluded there was no evidence that Bobrisky slept outside the Kirikiri Custodial Centre during his sentence.
The report revealed that Bobrisky had damaged the reputation of the correctional service with his false claims. The panel recommended that the Department of State Services investigate whether he bribed EFCC or correctional service officials. If substantiated, Bobrisky could face charges for corrupt practices.
The Nigerian Correctional Service was advised to file defamation suits against Bobrisky under sections 373-375 of the Criminal Code Act. The report indicated that the DSS should investigate potential bribery by Bobrisky, directly or indirectly, involving public officials.
The panel also indicted four correctional officers for misconduct, recommending disciplinary action as per the Nigerian Correctional Service’s guidelines. One officer, Ben Rabbi-Freeman, was accused of improperly transferring Bobrisky without the necessary documentation. Other officers involved also faced sanctions for procedural violations.
Additionally, the panel called for an audit of all inmates and detainees across custodial centres, emphasizing the need for sustainable oversight and partnerships with civil society organizations to enhance welfare services for inmates.
A senior management officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service explained that the conditions for inmates vary based on health, age, and sex, stating that Bobrisky was placed in a separate cell to prevent potential abuse due to his unique circumstances.
The case has ignited discussions about human rights and the treatment of crossdressers and transgender individuals within Nigeria’s legal and correctional systems. Activists are advocating for the establishment of special facilities for transgender inmates and urging the government to respect individual rights regardless of sexual orientation. They emphasize the need for reform in the prison system to ensure humane treatment and opportunities for character development among inmates.
