Bobrisky was kept outside prison walls

Inmates’ rights activist and Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, Bishop Kayode Williams, has suggested a possible reason why convicted cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, may have been housed outside the designated custodial facility where he was supposed to serve his sentence. This comes as Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has vowed to hold accountable any officials involved in the matter.

There are allegations that Bobrisky, sentenced to six months in prison, was given an apartment outside the correctional facility. In response, the Federal Government has already suspended two senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service: Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos State.

Williams explained that Bobrisky’s appearance as a man with a female identity may have required special arrangements for his accommodation. This view was supported by former National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Controller Francis Enobore (retd).

Williams elaborated, “There are separate accommodations for prisoners sentenced to death and convicted inmates. With Bobrisky’s transgender appearance, placing him in a general cell could be dangerous. He was likely provided protective custody to prevent harm, as his appearance could make him vulnerable to certain inmates.”

Enobore added, “Although Bobrisky admitted in court that he is male, his appearance as a woman could pose serious security risks in a prison environment where some inmates are unrepentant homosexuals.”

At a media briefing in Abuja, Dr. Tunji-Ojo confirmed the suspension of the senior officers to allow for an impartial investigation. He emphasized, “No one, regardless of rank, will be spared. We must be patient, but rest assured that no one will be shielded from accountability.”

Tunji-Ojo also expressed confidence in the investigative panel, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, to carry out a thorough and fair investigation.