JUST IN: Prison Officers Involved In Bobrisky Bribery Allegations Will Face Prosecution – FG

The Federal Government on Friday pledged that all individuals involved in the alleged bribery case linked to crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, will face prosecution.

This disclosure was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, marking his first year in office.

Earlier, the minister had initiated a thorough investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). This move followed reports that Bobrisky, who was sentenced to prison earlier this year, did not serve his jail term within the correctional facility.

Amid the ongoing investigation, the Nigerian Government, through the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, suspended several senior prison service officers on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

The suspended officers include Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kiri-kiri, Lagos State; Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) in charge of the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kiri-kiri, Lagos State; and ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, stationed at the MSCC in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility.

Another officer, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) overseeing the MSCC in Kuje, Abuja, was suspended for allegedly accepting payments on behalf of an inmate.

Addressing the ongoing bribery and corruption scandal, Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to remain patient as the investigation unfolds, assuring that everyone involved will be held accountable.

“We will not spare anyone, regardless of their status. The investigation is ongoing, but rest assured that no one will be shielded or protected,” the minister emphasized.

He further stated that the investigation extends beyond the allegations involving Bobrisky, mentioning that of the four suspended officers, only two were linked to the Bobrisky case. “This process will continue; it doesn’t end here,” he added

Dr. Tunji-Ojo expressed confidence in the integrity of the committee members leading the investigation, encouraging the public to trust their work.