On Wednesday, Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had initiated a probe into the allegations against the correctional officers.
In response to allegations of misconduct involving the handling of cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, the Nigerian government has directed the suspension of several officers overseeing the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State.
This follows an audio leak suggesting that Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months in prison, was granted unauthorised access to an apartment outside the custodial centre.
Ja’afaru Ahmed, Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), announced the suspensions in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja.
On Wednesday, Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had initiated a probe into the allegations against the correctional officers.
Ahmed stated, “Following the viral video trending on social media on alleged infractions by Officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service relating to Mr. Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has suspended forthwith the following Senior Officers of the Service.”
He identified the suspended officers as Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kirikiri; and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kirikiri.
Additionally, the Board has suspended ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, who served at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility.
Furthermore, another senior officer, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kuje, Abuja, has been suspended for allegedly accepting bribes on behalf of an inmate.
Ahmed assured the public that the investigation's findings would be made public once completed.