The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed that an investigation into allegations regarding the housing of convicted cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, is currently underway, with results still to come.
Abubakar Umar, the Deputy Controller of Corrections Service and Public Relations Officer, made this statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Abuja.
Umar also highlighted the service’s commitment to rehabilitation and safety, which is reflected in its thorough inmate admission procedures.
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Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison after being convicted of mutilating the naira in April, as reported by NAN.
Furthermore, it has been reported that Mr. Vincent Otse, a social media influencer and human rights advocate known as VeryDarkMan, released an audio recording in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have spent his jail time in a private apartment.
The audio recording also includes Bobrisky purportedly admitting to paying N15 million to officials at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to have money laundering charges against him dropped.
In response to these allegations, the Federal Government established an independent investigation team on Monday, September 30, to examine claims of corruption and violations of standard operating procedures within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
While inaugurating the committee, Minister of the Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo stated that the group needs to investigate recent claims suggesting that Bobrisky had been given special accommodations by certain members of the correctional service.
Umar, however, noted that when inmates are brought to correctional facilities, they undergo comprehensive assessments to evaluate security risks, needs, and responsibilities.
He explained that each offender is reviewed by an admission board to ensure their safe housing and effective rehabilitation.
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Umar elaborated on the service’s strict intake process for inmates, emphasizing the importance of human rights considerations throughout the procedure.
“Once an offender is convicted and brought to our facility, they must go through a series of procedures before and during the admission process,” he said.
“During this admission, we have an admission board made up of the officer in charge, the second in command, the medical officer responsible for the facility, the records officer, and other relevant personnel. They examine the information in the warrants and before assigning a cell, they conduct a security assessment.”
“This security assessment evaluates the potential risks posed by the inmate, including self-harm, and threats to other inmates and staff. We also assess their criminogenic needs, focusing on behaviors that may lead to criminal activity. All these factors are considered before an inmate is assigned to a cell.”
“Additionally, we look into what we term ‘responsivity issues’, which are factors that may affect the inmate’s ability to engage in rehabilitation programs or adapt to life within custody.”
“After considering all these aspects, the appropriate cell assignment for each inmate is determined,” he added.
According to Umar, Bobrisky was asked to identify his gender during his court hearing and subsequent admission to the facility, to which he replied that he was male.
“However, it’s important to note that he exhibits other characteristics as well,” he said.
“Based on this assessment, or what I refer to as classification and security determination, he was placed in an appropriate cell to ensure his safety within our facility.”
“I would like to emphasize that the Minister of Interior has formed a committee to investigate the allegations surrounding Bobrisky’s stay outside the correctional facility,” he said.
“Until the investigation concludes, I believe it is best to refrain from further speculation.”
“I want to reiterate that once individuals are convicted and brought into our facilities, we follow a standard protocol that ensures they receive proper treatment during the admission process.”
“They undergo thorough screenings which help us assess their security needs, both for the individual and the facility.”
“However, regarding whether he was housed in our correctional facilities or remained outside, I cannot comment further until the investigation’s findings are disclosed,” he concluded.
(NAN)
