LAGOS – The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed an ongoing investigation into allegations surrounding convicted cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky’s accommodation, with findings pending.
Abubakar Umar, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) disclosed this in an interview with Newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.
Umar also highlighted the service’s commitment to rehabilitation and safety through its comprehensive inmate admission process.
NAN recalls that Bobrisky was convicted for mutilating the naira in April and was sentenced to six months in jail.
NAN also reports that Mr Vincent Otse, a social media influencer and human rights activist known as Very Dark Man (VDM) published an audio recording that captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he spent his jail term in a private apartment.
The audio also captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he paid N15 million to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials to drop charges of money laundering against him.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government, On Monday, Sept. 30, inaugurated an independent investigative panel to prove allegations of corruption and gross violations of standard operating procedures within the NCoS.
The Minister Of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who inaugurated the committee said that the committee must also look at the recent allegations that some correctional service personnel had provided alternative accommodation for Bobrisky.
Umar, however, explained that inmates undergo comprehensive assessments to determine security risks, needs, and responsivity issues when brought to custodial centres.
According to him, the admission board evaluates each inmate to ensure safe housing and effective rehabilitation.
Umar who outlined the service’s rigorous admission process for inmates, added that adherence to human rights principles through the approach was also paramount.
“Well, upon conviction of every offender from court, either awaiting trial or convicted, once they are brought to our facility, there is a process they go through before and during admission.
Let me say during admission, there is what we call an admission board, which comprises the officer in charge, the second in command, the medical officer in charge of the custodial center, the record officer and other relevant officers.
“They will go through the information contained therein in the warrants, also, before he will be allocated a cell, there is what we call, determination of security.
“Determination of security refers to one’s risk assessment. The person risks self-harm and, the safety of other inmates and officers. We also have what we call needs assessment, which is focused on criminogenic need areas.
