The Federal Government has unequivocally asserted that no individual implicated in the purported bribery scandal involving a crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, commonly known as Bobrisky, shall evade retribution.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, articulated this commitment during a press conference commemorating the completion of his inaugural year in office, held on Friday in Abuja.
The Minister had previously initiated a thorough inquiry into the claims of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS.
Tunji-Ojo issued this directive subsequent to reports indicating that Bobrisky, who received a prison sentence earlier this year, did not fulfill his incarceration within the correctional facility.
In light of the ongoing investigation, the Nigerian Government, via the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, on Thursday, 26th September 2024, suspended several senior officials from the nation’s prison service.
The Board also enacted a suspension against ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, who is stationed at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate beyond the confines of the custodial centre.
Furthermore, another senior officer, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), responsible for the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje, Abuja, was suspended for allegedly accepting funds on behalf of an inmate.
In addressing the bribery and corruption scandal currently affecting the nation’s correctional service, Tunji-Ojo urged the populace to exercise patience and await the completion of the investigation.
“We will not spare anybody no matter how highly placed. Let’s be patient. Investigation is on but let’s be assured that nobody will be shielded and nobody will be protected,” the minister stressed.
He added that the investigation will go beyond the allegations involving Bobrisky.
“It is not just about Bobrisky. Of the four people we suspended only two are linked to Bobrisky.The one in Afikpo took somebody out. This will continue. It is not going to stop here.”
Tunji-Ojo described the persons in the investigation committee as people of integrity.
“Look at the integrity of the people that are involved. Let the integrity of the people in the committee give you confidence,” he added.
However, he reassured that all individuals implicated will be held accountable.
