The Nigerian Correctional Service has suspended two Deputy Controllers of Corrections, Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle, both in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kiri-kiri, Lagos, due to their alleged unprofessional handling of the case involving popular Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky.
The suspension was confirmed in a statement on Thursday by the service’s spokesperson, Ja’afaru Ahmed, noting that the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board approved the disciplinary action. The suspension of the officers is intended to facilitate further investigations into the matter.
Earlier this week, activist Vincent Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, released a video accusing Bobrisky of offering N15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges against him. According to Otse, the alleged bribe enabled Bobrisky to avoid serving a jail term at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre and instead stay in a rented apartment.
Bobrisky responded to these accusations on his social media platforms on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, denying the bribery claims and asserting that he had served his jail sentence in full. He also dismissed a viral voice recording circulating online, which was allegedly tied to the bribery allegations, calling it fake.
In response to the mounting controversy, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has ordered an in-depth investigation into the bribery allegations within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
