The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has constituted a special investigative panel to probe allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS). This follows recent claims that controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, paid a bribe to avoid prison time and secure preferential treatment.
The minister’s spokesperson, Babatunde Alao, revealed this in a statement issued in Abuja. The panel, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Magdalene Ajani, is tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. Other members of the panel include Dr. Uju Agomuoh from the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation And Welfare Action (PRAWA), Eva Omatese, Director of Legal Ministry of Interior, and Usman Nasiru, Director of Joint Services.
The investigation was triggered by allegations that Bobrisky bribed officials to transfer his prison sentence to a private apartment after his conviction for money laundering. The accusations surfaced after a social media influencer, Martins Otse, also known as 'VeryDarkMan,' leaked an audio recording in which Bobrisky allegedly admitted to paying N15 million to secure this arrangement. The recording also implicated prominent figures such as human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, musician Falz, both of whom have denied the claims and threatened legal action against Otse.
Minister Tunji-Ojo condemned the alleged misconduct and stressed the government’s commitment to zero tolerance for indiscipline and corruption. “The ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability,” he stated. He assured the public that the investigation would be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, with disciplinary action promised against any personnel found guilty.
The statement reaffirms the Ministry of Interior's determination to root out corruption in Nigeria's paramilitary services and ensure that any individuals involved in unethical practices face the full weight of the law.
