Controversial social media personality, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, may face fresh legal action following recent allegations that he enjoyed special privileges during his recent jail term and bribed officials. The claims, which surfaced in a viral audio recording, suggested that Bobrisky served his six-month prison sentence outside of the prison’s main facility. According to the audio, he allegedly paid ₦15 million to officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reduce his sentence terms. This audio clip, widely shared on social media, has raised questions about potential corruption within Nigeria’s correctional system.
The accusations came to light after Martins Otse, a social media activist known as VeryDarkMan, called Bobrisky out in a video, alleging that Bobrisky served his sentence in a private residence rather than in a conventional cell. Furthermore, the activist claimed that a high-ranking “mentor” helped facilitate the arrangement, allowing Bobrisky to serve his sentence comfortably while avoiding the standard custodial conditions.
Federal Investigation and Findings
Following public outcry, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, initiated an investigation led by a Federal Government panel chaired by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. The panel, in its initial report, dismissed claims that Bobrisky served his sentence outside the prison. However, it did confirm that he received certain privileges during his time in custody at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre. These accommodations reportedly included access to a private cell equipped with enhanced amenities, which has sparked further debate on whether such treatment was appropriate.
Dr. Ajani stated that the panel found no evidence indicating Bobrisky served his jail term outside official prison facilities. Nonetheless, the report acknowledged that his custodial experience deviated from typical standards due to special provisions made for him. The panel emphasized its commitment to continue probing the alleged misconduct to assess if any external factors influenced corrections officers.
What’s Next for Bobrisky and the Correctional Officers?
The Federal Government’s investigation has led to the suspension of key corrections officers allegedly involved in arranging preferential treatment. These officers will face internal review processes, as Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured the public of a transparent investigation to hold any guilty parties accountable. Bobrisky, meanwhile, has denied the allegations, taking to social media to refute claims that he paid bribes or received inappropriate privileges.
The ongoing probe could lead to new charges for both Bobrisky and implicated officials, as the panel continues to assess evidence and witness accounts. Public sentiment remains divided, with some calling for stringent reforms to eliminate corruption in Nigeria’s correctional facilities. For now, the government’s investigative panel has pledged to provide further updates, promising a full disclosure of findings in the next phase of the inquiry.
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