FG Explains Rationale Behind Bobrisky Investigation Committee

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has explained that the ongoing controversy surrounding Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, highlights deeper institutional issues within Nigeria. The well-known cross-dresser recently faced scrutiny over allegations of paying for special treatment...CONTINUE READING…

while serving a prison sentence for naira abuse. Viral audio suggested that Bobrisky bribed Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) officials to secure preferential conditions in jail.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the incident, which has drawn widespread attention, points to systemic challenges in Nigeria’s institutions. He stated, “When there is an institutional problem, a quick fix is not the solution. We set up a committee to investigate all related issues, including broader problems such as officials absconding.”

Tunji-Ojo stressed the need for comprehensive institutional reform to prevent such issues from recurring. “We cannot allow today’s problems to affect the future,” he said.

Additional allegations surfaced from blogger Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, who claimed in viral videos that Bobrisky paid ₦15 million to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officers to avoid money laundering charges. After his April 2024 conviction, Bobrisky reportedly paid more bribes to secure a preferred spot in prison, though he has denied the allegations.

In response, both the EFCC and NCoS launched investigations into the misconduct, with the House of Representatives also calling for testimonies from those involved. Several senior NCoS officers have been suspended.

On September 30, 2024, Tunji-Ojo inaugurated a committee to investigate the NCoS for alleged misconduct. After thorough review, the committee found no evidence to support claims that Bobrisky received special privileges or slept outside the custodial center during his six-month sentence from April 12 to August 5, 2024, in accordance with correctional policies.