By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, may face new criminal charges following an investigation into claims that he received preferential treatment during his jail term and bribed officials to evade money laundering charges.
The panel, formed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, examined allegations that the social media star served his prison sentence in a private setting and paid off officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to have charges dropped.
Bobrisky’s accusations surfaced after his August 5, 2024, release from a six-month sentence for currency abuse. In a voice note shared by activist Martins Otse, Bobrisky allegedly admitted to paying ₦15 million in bribes to EFCC officers and bribing Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) officials to serve his sentence in a private apartment.
This led to the minister initiating an investigation chaired by Magdalena Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. The panel’s findings, presented to the public, contradicted Bobrisky’s claims, asserting there was no evidence he served time outside the Kirikiri Custodial Centre.
They condemned Bobrisky for making unverified claims that, according to them, “tarnished the image of the Nigerian Correctional Service.”
The report further recommended the Department of State Services (DSS) investigate if Bobrisky or his associates paid bribes to NCoS or EFCC officials.
“If confirmed, Bobrisky should face charges under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act for bribing public officials,” the panel stated.
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They also suggested that the NCoS pursue defamation charges, accusing Bobrisky of spreading false claims about his sentence to undermine the service.
The report implicated four high-ranking correctional officers for possible misconduct, including Ben Rabbi-Freeman, a former Controller of Corrections. Rabbi-Freeman allegedly arranged an undocumented transfer for Bobrisky and backdated the paperwork.
Other officials, including DCC Micheal Anugwa, DCC Balogun Sikiru, and DCC Kamoru Adekunle, were also recommended for disciplinary action.
In response to public interest, a senior officer within NCoS clarified that the facility Bobrisky labeled as a “private apartment” was a separate holding area provided due to his unique circumstances, including gender identity considerations.
According to the officer, NCoS centers adapt facilities based on inmates’ medical and social needs, adding that “prisoners’ conditions, including health and age, influence where they are held.”
The panel recommended auditing inmate records in all NCoS facilities and implementing weekly oversight to ensure proper documentation and transparency. Additionally, they called for the decoupling of inmate welfare services from any commercial interests, emphasizing the need for improved oversight to prevent undue privileges.
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