Prison experts have provided clarity on why Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was separated from other inmates at the correctional centre, while dismissing allegations of a VIP section.
During an appearance on Arise TV’s *The Morning Show*, Bishop Kayode Williams, Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, explained the categorisation of accommodations for different types of inmates.
“There are specific accommodations for condemned prisoners, those sentenced to death, who must not mingle with other inmates. The second group consists of convicted inmates, who are the primary occupants of the prison,” he stated.
Speaking on Bobrisky’s situation, Williams added, “Considering his transgender appearance, they couldn’t place Idris in the general male population. The first step was determining how to ensure his safety.
“They provided him a special place for protective custody because, with his appearance, he would be at risk. He looks and moves like a woman, and there are homosexual inmates who could exploit that vulnerability.”
Francis Enobore, former National PRO of the Nigerian Correctional Service, supported Williams’ comments, explaining that the service profiles each inmate for both their safety and the overall security of the facility.
“Although he identified as male in court, he physically presents as a woman. Some inmates are unrepentant homosexuals, and without precaution, a serious security issue could arise,” Enobore explained.
However, Enobore denied claims that Bobrisky was given a private section, stating, “There’s no such thing as a private apartment or special treatment in prison.”
The controversy surrounding Bobrisky’s incarceration began earlier this week when social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, shared a voice note in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed that following his conviction for naira abuse in April, his godfather and the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service arranged for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment.
Meanwhile, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board announced on Thursday the suspension of two deputy controllers in charge of the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre in Lagos, due to Bobrisky’s alleged bribery claims.
