Suspended Or Not? NCoS Fires Back At Claims Amid Bobrisky Custody Controversy!

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has reaffirmed the suspension of several senior officers, including Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa, over alleged misconduct involving the custody of crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre, Lagos.

This clarification followed a claim made by DCC Anugwa during a parliamentary hearing in Abuja on Monday, where he disputed reports of his suspension, contradicting the directive from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

In response, NCoS spokesperson ACC Abubakar Umar issued a statement on Monday night confirming the suspensions were indeed in effect, having been officially communicated to the concerned officers on September 26, 2024.

“The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a circulating video of a senior officer alleging he was not served a suspension letter, contrary to the directive from the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB). The Service views this as gross misconduct aimed at misleading the public,” Umar stated.

Umar further emphasized that the suspension of not only Anugwa but also three other officers, was essential for the investigation into their alleged roles in various ethical violations.

The suspended officers include:

• DCC Sikiru Adekunle, Officer-in-Charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos
• DCC Michael Anugwa, Officer-in-Charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos
• DCC Kevin Ikechukwu Iloafonsi, Officer-in-Charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, FCT
• Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC II) Ogbule Samuel Obinna of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abakiliki, Ebonyi State

Two suspension letters, issued by the CDCFIB on September 26, 2024, under reference numbers CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/16 and CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/17, clearly indicated the suspensions took effect immediately and were communicated to the officers.

The public is urged to remain patient as thorough investigations proceed. The NCoS assures that those found guilty will face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the Public Service Rules and other relevant laws.