Bobrisky
FG sets up probe panel on Bobrisky’s N15m detention controversy
An independent investigative panel has been set up by the Federal Government to probe allegations of corruption and gross violations against the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the 5-member committee on Monday in Abuja, emphasing that it is imperative to sanitise the service towards attaining transparency and accountability.
The Minister had vowed that nobody would be spared in probe of the allegations of misconduct involving the handling of cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
Earlier, the minister had suspended several officers overseeing the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State, to pave the way for an unfettered investigation into the allegations.
Tunji-Ojo assured of a total investigation to unravelling the veracity of all the allegations.
According to him, “We want to really reform the correctional service. Your core responsibility is to investigate specific allegations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers, especially the immediate one on Bobrisky, which I expect to be out in 2 weeks.”
The Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalena Ajani, who headsthe panel, said, “We will rely on your legal guidance to be sure that whatever we do is in line with the law of the land. We will rely on you to be able to come up with a way forward, as well as facts that would be made public to Nigerians. I want to say this very clearly: nobody will be shielded. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded.”
She stated that the committee would do their best to deliver on the mandate.
The committee comprises Omotese Eva (Mrs.), Director Legal; Nasir Usman, Director, Joint Services; Dr. Uju Agomoh, President, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), who is a former Board Member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA); and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, Human Rights Radio consultant, a forensic researcher and social impact expert with over 27 years experience in corporate leadership.