A federal government–constituted panel set up to examine allegations that crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, did not fully serve his six-month prison sentence has now released its findings.
As reported by PUNCH, the independent investigative committee concluded that Bobrisky was housed in a soundproof cell and benefited from what it described as exceptional privileges during his time in custody.
These privileges allegedly included access to mobile phones, the ability to cater for his own meals, and unrestricted visitation from family members and friends, both in frequency and in numbers, while he was held at the Medium Security and Maximum Security Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos.
The panel maintained that such conditions were significantly beyond what is allowed under Nigeria’s correctional regulations.
FG panel recommendations
In its report, the panel advised that the Department of State Services should be called upon to carry out a direct investigation into the crossdresser, either personally or through intermediaries, over allegations that he may have bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
It further stated that, if these claims are proven, he should be prosecuted under relevant anti-corruption legislation.
The committee also recommended that the NCoS initiate defamation proceedings against Bobrisky, citing what it described as “false claims about bypassing the prison system, tarnishing the institution’s reputation.”
In addition, it proposed that social media commentator VeryDarkMan be charged with libel for circulating unverified allegations that allegedly defamed government officials and agencies, as well as for incitement and breaches of data privacy laws.
It will be recalled that Bobrisky was sentenced on April 12, 2024, to six months in prison for naira abuse and was released on August 5 after completing the term.
Following his release, VeryDarkMan published an audio recording said to capture a conversation between Bobrisky and another individual, containing serious allegations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The claims generated widespread public reaction, prompting the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to establish an investigative panel on September 30.
The panel, chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalena Ajani, was tasked with examining the allegations.
Below are some reactions from netizens:
ifygalaxy commented: “VDM was right after all! He doesn’t just set camera to talk, he talks with evidence.”
addie_stallion commented: “He has left your country. U lot should focus on more important things like the kidnappings going on around the country.”
temixthomas_ commented: “So what will happen now ehn kilo ma sele bayiii ??? Ewo lejo. They should go and drag him from wherever he is now to serve another one abi if e sure for you.”
o_mo_wumi11 said: “Fed government no see anything do to what’s happening in Nigeria ooo nah bob case unna Dey remember to open his/her files federal government e tin fraaaa oo.”
