Crime
Minister Calls For Reforms Amid Bobrisky’s Alleged Prison Scandal
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has called for urgent reforms within Nigeria’s correctional and judicial systems in response to a high-profile scandal involving popular cross-dresser and social media influencer Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky.
The scandal, which has captured national attention, revolves around allegations of preferential treatment and corruption during Okuneye’s recent prison sentence.
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Tunji-Ojo made these comments during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
The saga began after Okuneye was sentenced to six months in prison in April 2024, following charges of naira abuse and allegations of money laundering.
After his release in August, viral audio surfaced, featuring allegations from a blogger, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, who claimed that Bobrisky had paid officials millions of naira for special privileges during his imprisonment.
Among the allegations, Otse claimed that Bobrisky paid ₦15 million to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to avoid further charges, and additional payments to secure favorable conditions while incarcerated.
Bobrisky has denied all allegations, but the claims have prompted an official investigation.
He acknowledged the broader concerns highlighted by the case.
“When you have an institutional problem, you don’t just provide a knee-jerk approach to solving it,” he said, stressing the importance of addressing the root causes of corruption within Nigeria’s institutions.
Following public outcry, the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) initiated internal probes, while the Federal Government responded by suspending several senior officers at the NCoS.
Additionally, the House of Representatives invited involved parties for a formal inquiry into the matter.
On September 30, 2024, Tunji-Ojo established a dedicated committee to investigate allegations of gross misconduct within the NCoS and, more broadly, to assess integrity lapses across the correctional system.
Preliminary findings from the committee indicated that there was “no evidence thus far” that Okuneye had received any unauthorized privileges or had spent time outside the prison during his sentence, which lasted from April 12 to August 5, 2024. Nonetheless, Minister Tunji-Ojo underscored the importance of long-term solutions.
“We set up that committee to look into all the issues, beyond Bobrisky, beyond people absconding – it is a whole institutional issue,” he explained. “We cannot transfer today’s problem to the future.”
Crime
Policeman Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Checkpoint In Abia
A police officer is reportedly dead and another injured following an attack by unknown gunmen on a police checkpoint in the Ohafia area of Abia State.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at Ugwu Abba Asaga, has sparked concerns over the rising wave of insecurity in the region.
The Abia State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the attack. However, when contacted, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, assured reporters that she would provide updates, but no further details had been shared as of the time of this report.
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This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks in Abia State. On Monday, the Abia State government accused unnamed politicians and external parties of fueling kidnappings and violence targeting security personnel and civilians since May 2024. In a statement signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the government vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable.
“The promoters of violence and insecurity in the state will pay a heavy price,” the statement read.
However, John Okiyi Kalu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, criticized the government’s position. He argued that insecurity in the state should not be politicized but rather addressed through actionable measures.
The attack has heightened tensions in the state, with citizens calling for swift action to restore peace and ensure the safety of residents and security personnel alike.
Crime
Ebonyi Police Crackdown Leaves Labourer Dead, Three Others Injured
A yet-to-be-identified labourer was reportedly shot dead on Wednesday, while three others sustained critical injuries, during an altercation involving the Crack Squad of the Ebonyi State Police Command at Ugwuechara Junction in Abakaliki.
Witnesses say the incident began when members of the Crack Squad stopped a motorcycle rider, accusing him of fraud and attempting to seize his motorcycle.
The rider reportedly identified himself as a member of the military but was allegedly assaulted by the operatives.
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An eyewitness recounted, “As the policemen removed his cap and started hitting him with their guns, the bike man tried to resist them, possibly to snatch one of their guns.
“One of the team opened fire, which killed one of the labour seekers, who usually gather at the junction to look for daily jobs. Three persons were wounded and were rushed to the hospital.”
The deceased, a labourer waiting for work at the junction, was struck by the gunfire. Among the injured are a young apprentice at a barbershop and a female passer-by.
Witnesses say the police operatives took the body of the deceased and the motorcycle rider to their station after the incident.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi, Joshua Ukandu, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.
However, Obinna Mbam, the Special Assistant on Internal Security to Governor Francis Nwifuru, confirmed the incident.
“Normalcy has returned to the area,” Mr. Mbam said. “The state government will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The incident has sparked outrage among residents of Ebonyi State, who have raised concerns about the increasing cases of police brutality, extortion, and indiscriminate arrests.
Many residents also expressed dissatisfaction with the Crack Squad, which was established as part of police reforms following the disbandment of the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in 2020.
Crime
IGP Files Fraud Charges Against Ex-Senator, Two Others Over N400m Scam
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has filed criminal charges against former Nigerian senator Andy Uba and two others, accusing them of defrauding a complainant, George Uboh, of N400 million.
The charges, which include two counts, were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Uba, who represented Anambra South in the Senate from 2011 to 2019, along with Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu, is alleged to have conspired with Hajiya Fatima, who remains at large, to defraud Uboh in 2022.
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According to the charges, the accused individuals falsely claimed they could secure the appointment of the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for anyone who could pay N400 million.
“The accused persons collected the N400 million from Mr. Uboh and converted it into their personal use,” the police said, describing the actions as a violation of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act of 2006.
The police also revealed that six witnesses would testify against the accused parties.
The case was officially filed on 10 October 2023 by Abdulrashid Sidi from the Police Legal/Prosecution Section.
During a hearing on 13 November, the prosecution informed the court that the defendants had been evading the service of court documents despite being granted administrative bail.
“The defendants obtained a fundamental rights enforcement order, which had prevented the police from bringing them to court,” said M.L. Anthony, a lawyer for the prosecution.
“It was only after the order was lifted that the defendants were finally charged before the judge.”
The trial, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, was adjourned until 18 February 2025.
This delay allows time for the defendants to appear in court and take their plea, following the prosecution’s efforts to ensure they are properly served with legal documents.
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November 13, 2024 at 4:01 am
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