Nigerians have been sharing their opinions on what transpired during the six-month jail term of popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky.
According to Punch, sources close to the matter indicate that Bobrisky, who had prison number S682/2024, was transferred to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri after being convicted on May 12. His presence at the Ikoyi prison, where he was initially remanded, began attracting considerable attention and generating publicity.
A highly credible source revealed, “He was first moved to the Ikoyi prison, where he spent a few days before the controller, Ben-Rabbi Freedman, relocated him to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri.”
Another source confirmed Bobrisky’s transfer from the Ikoyi facility to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, stating that he spent several days there before being moved again to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri.
The source further mentioned that Bobrisky received visits from some relatives in prison, noting that there was a record of all his activities. “Many people visited him, including three family members. They followed the proper procedure, which is why they were able to see him. I also saw him in prison. He appeared gentle and sober,” the source added.
Reports suggest that there are provisions for special cells for inmates deemed “Very Important Persons” who might be at risk if they mingled with the general population. “This area is like a back cell or a single cell, originally reserved for well-behaved inmates. This is in accordance with prison rules. They are placed there to reward their good behaviour. However, certain individuals are taken there when warders bring them in. They live as they wish, and some inmates even furnish the place to their liking,” the source explained.
When asked about the cost of staying in such a room, the source indicated that fees are typically determined by the officer in charge of the centre. “They collect substantial sums from inmates, depending on their status. When you saw the altercation between DSS operatives and prison service personnel during (Godwin) Emefiele’s court appearance, what did you think was the reason? It’s due to the benefits associated with having such a person in custody,” the source added.
The source speculated that Bobrisky might have been placed in a “special cell” during his time at Kirikiri prison. Another source corroborated the existence of such arrangements, stating that negotiations usually begin in court between inmates and prison officials. This source noted that the correctional service knew how to manage the situation, which is why Bobrisky was allegedly shielded from other inmates upon his admission.
“Inmates who saw him at the medium prison before he was moved to the maximum prison were not many. It was all planned,” the source said.
However, when reached for comment, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, denied any reports of preferential treatment for VIP convicts. “We are not aware of such claims. They are foreign to us. Nonetheless, this information will be investigated. All inmates receive the same treatment. We do not have any preferential treatment for anyone,” he insisted.
Additionally, the federal government has launched an investigation following the emergence of a purported audio clip of Bobrisky discussing how his godfather helped him stay in an apartment during his jail term.
