The investigative panel established by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has dismissed allegations that popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, spent his six-month jail term in a private apartment instead of a custodial center.
Led by Uju Agomoh, Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), the panel found no evidence to support claims that Bobrisky stayed outside the prison during his sentence, which lasted from April 12, 2024, to August 5, 2024. As Agomoh noted, “The panel did not find any evidence thus far that suggested Mr. Okuneye slept outside the custodial center during the period of his imprisonment.”
In fact, Bobrisky served his six-month correctional sentence with the usual remission applicable to such cases. Moreover, investigations revealed that he enjoyed certain privileges during his time behind bars.
Notably, these privileges included:
1. Furnished single cells.
2. Access to a humidifier and fridge.
3. Frequent family visits.
4. Self-feeding arrangements.
5. Designated inmates to run errands.
6. Access to television and phone.
Interestingly, the panel’s findings were prompted by an audio recording released by VDM, in which Bobrisky claimed to have served his sentence in a flat near the prison. Consequently, the Minister of Interior inaugurated the panel on September 30 to probe the allegations.
In conclusion, the panel’s report has brought clarity to the controversy surrounding Bobrisky’s imprisonment. However, it also raised concerns about potential corrupt practices by correctional officers, highlighting the need for clear guidelines on managing high-profile inmates.