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.
. . . As Operatives Recover Dangerous Weapons, Other Assets
As part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to emplace peace and public safety across Nigeria, operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The feat saw operatives neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroyed their camps and recovered weapons.
In a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday, the NPF wrote, “On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
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“The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)— all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.
“Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
“The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
“The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
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