FG Panel: Bobrisky Kept In Soundproof Cell, Had Phone Access

An Independent Investigative Panel established by the Federal Government to examine the detention conditions of crossdresser Okuneye Olanrewaju, widely known as Bobrisky, has disclosed that the social media personality was housed in a soundproofed cell while serving a six-month prison sentence.

According to findings obtained by Ireporter Online, the panel also revealed that Bobrisky enjoyed several exceptional privileges during his stay at two custodial facilities in Lagos, including unrestricted access to mobile phones, benefits it described as inconsistent with the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service regulations.

Bobrisky was convicted on April 12, 2024, for abusing the naira and completed the six-month sentence before regaining freedom on August 5, 2024.

The investigation followed widespread controversy sparked by an audio recording released online by social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. In the recording, Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have paid ₦15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prevent money laundering charges from being pursued. He also allegedly stated that officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) accepted bribes to allow him serve his sentence in a private apartment rather than within a correctional facility.

The allegations generated nationwide reactions and prompted the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to establish an investigative panel on September 30, chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalena Ajani.

The panel’s report detailed what it described as preferential treatment received by Bobrisky at both the Medium Security and Maximum Security Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos.

At the Medium Security Custodial Centre, he was reportedly accommodated in a private single cell equipped with a personal toilet and bathroom, carpeted floors, a television, refrigerator, humidifier and enhanced lighting. He was also permitted to operate a self-feeding arrangement, with his brother and sister-in-law authorised to provide meals.

Investigators further noted that Bobrisky received visits from family members and friends as often as he desired and in numbers beyond the standard allowances for inmates. The report stated that he also maintained a self-feeding arrangement after being transferred to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, although investigators were yet to confirm whether the privilege received official approval.

The report added that his accommodation at the maximum-security facility featured wallpaper decorations, a large bed, carpeting, a humidifier and a television located in an adjoining decorated room. A fellow inmate was allegedly assigned to attend to his personal needs, while he reportedly entertained visitors inside the office of the officer in charge of the facility, another privilege unavailable to regular inmates.

The panel also disclosed that Bobrisky was transported between the two correctional facilities in the official operational vehicle of the Lagos State Controller of Corrections and in the company of the state controller.

One of the most significant discoveries made by investigators was the presence of a soundproofed door attached to Bobrisky’s designated cell, identified as Room A12, at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre. The panel recommended further investigation into the purpose of the modification, suggesting it could have been intended to conceal phone conversations or other activities from surrounding inmates and officials.

It further expressed the belief that Bobrisky had access to and used mobile phones while in custody despite existing prohibitions against such devices.

As part of its recommendations, the panel urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate whether Bobrisky or any intermediary offered bribes to officials of the EFCC or the Nigerian Correctional Service. It advised that appropriate anti-corruption charges should be filed if the allegations are substantiated.

The panel also recommended that the Nigerian Correctional Service institute defamation proceedings against Bobrisky over claims that he circumvented the prison system, arguing that such statements damaged the institution’s reputation.

In addition, investigators proposed the prosecution of VeryDarkMan for alleged libel, incitement and violations of data privacy laws. The report suggested that authorities examine whether the activist unlawfully intercepted Bobrisky’s phone conversations and pursue legal action if evidence supports the allegation.