Bobrisky may face new criminal charges as a panel report accuses him of bribery and defamation against Nigeria’s Correctional Service. Four prison officers were also indicted for misconduct. The panel suggests corruption charges if allegations are confirmed, with calls for a nationwide audit of correctional facilities to prevent similar issues.
Controversial Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, may face new legal troubles after an investigation panel indicted four prison officers for alleged misconduct involving his detention. Initially serving a six-month sentence for currency abuse, Bobrisky claimed in leaked voice notes that he bribed Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials with ₦15 million to drop money laundering charges and paid correctional officers to serve his sentence in a private facility.
An investigation by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, led by Permanent Secretary Magdalena Ajani, revealed no evidence Bobrisky was held outside the Kirikiri Custodial Centre. However, his statements were seen as damaging to the Nigerian Correctional Service’s (NCoS) reputation, prompting the panel to recommend defamation and corruption charges under the Criminal Code Act.
The panel also called for sanctions against four correctional officers, including former Controller of Corrections Ben Rabbi-Freeman, for document tampering linked to Bobrisky’s detention transfer. Additionally, it recommended a comprehensive audit of all NCoS facilities to prevent future mismanagement and emphasized non-custodial options to ease facility overcrowding.
The NCoS defended its facilities, explaining special arrangements for inmates based on health or other specific needs, including Bobrisky's unique case. A high-ranking NCoS official remarked that such measures are in place to uphold human rights and security, especially in unprecedented situations like Bobrisky’s.
