HEADS to roll as the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed an ongoing investigation into allegations surrounding convicted cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky’s accommodation, with findings pending.
Abubakar Umar, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), yesterday, in Abuja, saying anybody found wanting will not be spared. Umar also highlighted the service’s commitment to rehabilitation and safety through its comprehensive inmate admission process.
Recall that Bobrisky was convicted for mutilating the naira in April and was sentenced to six months in jail.
NAN also reports that Mr. Vincent Otse, social media influencer and human rights activist known as Very Dark Man (VDM) published an audio recording which captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he spent his jail term in a private apartment.
The audio also captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he paid N15 million to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials to drop charges of money laundering against him.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government, On Monday, Sept. 30, inaugurated an independent investigative panel to prove allegations of corruption and gross violations of standard operating procedures within the NCoS.
The Minister of Interior, Dr.Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who inaugurated the committee said that the committee must also look at the recent allegations that some correctional service personnel had provided alternative accommodation for Bobrisky, adding that those found culpable will face the wrath of the law. Umar, however, explained that inmates undergo comprehensive assessments to determine security risks, needs, and responsive issues when brought to custodial centres.
According to him, the admission board evaluates each inmate to ensure safe housing and effective rehabilitation. Umar, who outlined the service’s rigorous admission process for inmates, added that adherence to human rights principles through the approach was also paramount.
“Well, upon conviction of every offender from court, either awaiting trial or convicted, once they are brought to our facility, there is a process they go through before and during admission.
“Let me say during admission, there is what we call the admission board, which comprises the officer in charge, the second in command, the medical officer in charge of the custodial center, the record officer and other relevant officers.
“They will go through the information contained therein in the warrants, also, before he will be allocated a cell, there is what we call, determination of security.
“Determination of security refers to one’s risk assessment. The person risks self-harm, safety of other inmates and officers. We also have what we call needs assessment, which is focused on criminogenic need areas.
“These are behaviours that may cause criminal behavioural and other criminological needs. These are the things that we look into before an inmate is allocated a cell. (NAN)
