Bobrisky did not stay out of jail, but enjoyed privileges – FG

The investigative panel set up by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, probing allegations that convicted cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was kept out of the custodial center while serving his six-month prison sentence, has submitted its report, dismissing the claims.

The panel, however, confirmed that Bobrisky received certain privileges during his time behind bars.

Executive Director and founder of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), Uju Agomoh,  who is a member of the panel, stated that there was no evidence to support the accusation that Bobrisky stayed outside the prison during his sentence, which lasted from April 12, 2024, to August 5, 2024.

“The panel did not find any evidence thus far that suggested Mr Okuneye slept outside the custodial center during the period of his imprisonment,” Agomoh said.

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Agomoh said during this period, Bobrisky was moved from the Kuje Custodial Centre to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri-Apapa, Lagos; and then to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, from where the crossdresser was discharged after completion of her sentence.

The panel said the cross-dresser’s transfer to a maximum security facility as a first offender violated Section 164A and Section 164B of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.
“The panel also found that Mr Okuneye Idris enjoyed several privileges while in custody, both at the Medium Security and the Maximum Security Custodial Centres, which include, especially the following: furnished single cells, humidifier, lots of visits by his family members and friends as he desired, self-feeding, designated inmates to run errands for him, access to fridge and television, and possibly access to his phone,” Agomoh said.

“The panel recommends that clear guidelines need to be set up to guide operations regarding such incidents in future.

“Steps should be taken to avoid the obvious discriminatory practices in relation to the socio-economic levels and other status of inmates.”

She clarified that Bobrisky served his six-month correctional sentence with the usual remission applicable to such cases.