Crime
Reason Bobrisky Was Kept Outside Prison Walls
Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, a controversial Nigerian cross-dresser, has been at the center of a brewing scandal within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Following allegations that Bobrisky, sentenced to six months imprisonment, was accommodated outside the designated custodial facility, the Federal Government has suspended two senior correctional officials for further investigation.
The officials, Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controllers of Corrections at both the Medium and Maximum Security Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State, have been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation led by the Ministry of Interior.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a press briefing in Abuja, stated, “No individual will be shielded from punishment, no matter their position. The investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.” He expressed full confidence in the investigative panel, led by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the ministry.
Speaking on the issue, inmates’ rights activist and Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, Bishop Kayode Williams, explained the rationale behind the decision to place Bobrisky in a separate accommodation. According to Williams, Bobrisky’s physical appearance posed significant safety risks within the general prison population.
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“Bobrisky’s transgender identity and feminine appearance would make him vulnerable in a male-dominated environment. Some unrepentant homosexual inmates may try to exploit the situation, which could escalate into a security threat. It was necessary to provide him with protective custody,” Williams said during an interview on Arise Television.
His sentiments were echoed by former National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Controller Francis Enobore (retd.), who emphasized the need for special accommodations for individuals like Bobrisky.
While Bobrisky admitted in court that he is biologically male, his appearance – feminine dress, mannerisms, and physique – led authorities to conclude that placing him in a general prison environment could result in significant challenges. Enobore commented, “This situation could have created a serious security crisis if he was placed in a regular cell.”
The revelation of Bobrisky’s alleged preferential treatment has sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many questioning the integrity of the correctional system. The investigation aims to determine whether due process was followed in the arrangement and if the suspended officials acted outside their authority.
As the investigation continues, Minister Tunji-Ojo has promised transparency and accountability. “No stone will be left unturned. Nigerians deserve to know the truth, and the truth will prevail,” he said.
The outcome of the investigation is eagerly awaited as it could set a precedent for how the Nigerian Correctional Service handles high-profile inmates with unique circumstances. Public interest in the case remains high, as many await the conclusion of the investigation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in 13% derivation funds intended for Delta State during his tenure.
Okowa, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, was detained after he voluntarily appeared at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Directorate on Monday in response to an official summons.
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According to an EFCC source, Okowa is accused of failing to account for the N1.3 trillion derived from the federation account, as well as an additional N40 billion he allegedly invested in shares of UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
The investigation suggests that Okowa acquired an 8% stake in a major Nigerian bank to support the offshore LNG venture, with funds purportedly misallocated from state resources.
Beyond the LNG shares, investigators are probing whether Okowa redirected state funds to acquire high-value properties in Abuja and Asaba.
Okowa is currently held at an EFCC facility in Port Harcourt as the inquiry continues.
The high-profile arrest comes as Okowa, who was the vice-presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, faces scrutiny over his financial conduct in office.
Amid repeated absences from court, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant for Hathiramani Ranesh, Managing Director of Dana Air, who faces charges of fraud and conspiracy tied to alleged misappropriations totaling N1.3 billion.
The ruling, handed down Monday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, calls for Ranesh’s immediate arrest following his failure to respond to multiple court summonses.
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Justice Egwuatu cited Section 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), empowering the court to issue an arrest warrant against defendants who evade appearance.
“The defendant is legally obligated to appear, and the court is authorized to issue a warrant for arrest if he does not,” Justice Egwuatu said, setting January 13, 2025, as the next court date, adding that no objections will be considered unless Ranesh is present.
Ranesh and two Dana Group subsidiaries—Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Ltd—face serious allegations from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Prosecutors claim that between 2014 and 2018, Ranesh and his companies engaged in fraudulent activities, including the unauthorized sale of industrial generators valued at N450 million, which had been pledged as collateral in a debenture agreement.
Additional charges allege the misappropriation of N864 million from bond funds meant for operations at the Dana Steel Rolling Factory in Katsina, and a N60.3 million transfer to an external account without authorization.
The charges, filed by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Moshood Adeyemi, cite violations under the Criminal Code Act.
In court, government lawyer Mojisola Okeya-Esho argued for the arrest warrant, stating that Ranesh had disregarded court orders to appear for arraignment.
Defense counsel B. Ademola-Bello challenged the prosecution, contending that jurisdictional issues must be addressed before proceeding with the case.
Justice Egwuatu dismissed these objections, underscoring that Ranesh’s presence in court is required before other arguments can be entertained.
The matter is now adjourned until January 13, 2025, with the warrant remaining active until the defendant is brought to court.
In a shocking act of violence, armed assailants targeted the Police Rapid Response Squad facility in Owerrinta early Monday morning, resulting in the tragic death of a female detainee.
The attack occurred shortly after midnight along the Umuahia-Aba Federal Expressway.
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State Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa confirmed the incident, revealing that the gunmen arrived in three Hilux vehicles and opened fire on the police facility.
“Our personnel successfully repelled the attack,” Isa stated.
However, the attackers resorted to using dynamite, causing significant damage to the building and exposing the detainees inside.
During the chaos, the gunmen attempted to free detainees, leading to the fatal shooting of the female suspect.
Unconfirmed reports suggest she was in custody related to a child trafficking case.
In the aftermath of the attack, police swiftly initiated a manhunt for the perpetrators, employing advanced technical methods to track their movements.
Commissioner Isa announced the arrest of one suspect, who is currently undergoing interrogation to uncover the identities of additional accomplices.
“We are making significant progress in our investigation,” he affirmed.
Authorities are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as the investigation continues.
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