Bobrisky: Reps Commence Probe, Prison Controllers Suspended

The House of Representatives has begun investigating alleged bribery of officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service by Idris Okuneye, alias Bobrisky, a controversial cross-dresser convicted and sentenced to prison for naira abuse.

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board suspended two deputy controllers in charge of the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre in Lagos over Bobrisky’s bribery allegations.

Trouble started after Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, shared a voice note where Bobrisky claimed his godfather, in collaboration with the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, arranged for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment.

The suspended officials are:

1. Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos State
2. Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kiri-kiri, Lagos State
3. Ogbule Obinna, ASC II, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Afikpo, Ebonyi State (for accompanying an inmate out of the facility)
4. Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja (for allegedly receiving money on behalf of an inmate)

According to Ja’afaru Ahmed, secretary of the board, their suspension allows for a proper investigation into the allegations.

The House of Representatives’ investigation follows a motion by Patrick Umoh, representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State.

Umoh expressed concern over VeryDarkMan’s publication alleging:

1. The EFCC dropped money laundering charges against Bobrisky after receiving N15 million.
2. Bobrisky did not serve his time at the Nigerian Correctional Service but was lodged outside the facility.

The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, referred the motion to the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions, which must report back within three legislative weeks.