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.

READ MORE: BBNaija: Mercy Tenders Apology For Handler Dubbing Onyeka ‘Gold Digger’

“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.

In an effort to uphold its commitment to integrity and discipline, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced plans to take decisive action against one of its officers, Maikano Sarkin-Tasha, who was recently arrested by police for allegedly supplying ammunition and drugs to bandits in Zamfara State.

The NSCDC stated that Sarkin-Tasha will face disciplinary measures, dismissal, and prosecution to ensure that justice is served.

Read Also:Lion Kills Handler At Obasanjo Wildlife Park

Speaking at a media briefing in Gusau, the Zamfara State Commandant, Sani Mustapha, condemned the actions of the officer, describing them as barbaric and contrary to the Corps’ ethical standards. “We condemn this act in all ramifications as our command is known for integrity in service delivery, discipline, and compliance with ethical standards,” Mustapha stated.

He emphasized the NSCDC’s zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline, corruption, and criminality. “The Corps Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is enforced regularly to regulate personnel against compromise or any act of misconduct, which is contrary to set standards and inimical to the wellbeing of society,” he added.

Mustapha stressed that the erring officer’s actions reflect only his personal character and do not represent the values of the Zamfara Command or the NSCDC nationwide. He explained that Sarkin-Tasha had previously been reported for irresponsible behavior at work, but efforts to track him down were unsuccessful.

According to initial findings, the officer was arrested at a checkpoint between the Damba and Sabon Gida areas while traveling to his hometown, Mada. Police allegedly found cannabis and other hard drugs in his possession, along with dangerous ammunition. Items recovered from his residence included three G3 rifle armors and one anti-aircraft gun armor, along with four rounds of ammunition.

The NSCDC Commandant confirmed that he is in communication with the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, to ensure that thorough disciplinary measures, investigation, and prosecution are carried out.

“The full wrath of the law will be meted out to the officer,” Mustapha concluded.

Amid the ongoing trial of former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, a Bureau de Change operator, Abubakar Umar testified on Saturday before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

Umar disclosed that in 2014, he converted ₦3.1 billion into $15.8 million and delivered the cash to Suswam, providing critical insight into the alleged financial misconduct as the proceedings continue under Justice Peter Lifu’s oversight.

As the sixth prosecution witness in the case, Umar revealed that the funds were transferred to him by Suswam through a proxy during his tenure as governor.

Read Also: EU Urges Airlines To Avoid Lebanese, Israeli Airspace Amid Escalating Conflict

Umar explained that the transaction occurred in tranches, with the first installment of ₦413 million hitting his account on August 8, 2014.

The total sum eventually amounted to ₦3.1 billion, which Umar then converted to U.S. dollars at a rate of ₦197 per dollar.

The witness, who is the CEO of Fanffash Resources, testified that he delivered the equivalent $15.8 million in cash to Suswam at his Maitama, Abuja residence.

This testimony is part of an ongoing trial involving Suswam and his former Commissioner of Finance, Omodachi Okolobia, who are facing 11 amended counts of money laundering.

The charges stem from the alleged diversion of funds from the sale of Benue State government shares, which were held by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited and sold through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the case, alleges that Suswam and Okolobia laundered part of the proceeds of the sale, amounting to ₦3.1 billion.

According to a statement from Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity at the EFCC on Saturday, the case has been ongoing since 2018, with Umar’s testimony playing a crucial role in the prosecution’s argument.

Led by prosecution counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, Umar testified that the money transfers were facilitated by a female intermediary, though her identity was not disclosed in the court proceedings.

The trial continues as both Suswam and Okolobia face the amended charges of money laundering in connection with the alleged misappropriation of state funds.

He said, “One day in 2014, when I was in the office, the former governor of Benue State asked me to meet him in his house in Maitama, Abuja. I went and met him in the house together with one fair woman.

“He asked me to give the woman my account number. I gave the woman my Zenith Bank account number. The woman said she’ll send money into that account.

“On the 8th of August 2014, N413 million was transferred to my account. Based on this,  I called the former governor and he told me to change the money to dollars and I asked him to give me time to do that. Three days after I bought the dollar equivalent, I called the former governor and informed him that the money was ready.

“He now asked me to take the money to his house in Maitama, near Jumat Mosque. I now told him that he should inform the security at the gate that I was coming, if not they’ll not allow me access into the gate. I took a cab to the house, and after I arrived at the house, I knocked at the gate and they opened. I told them my name.

“They opened the first and second gates and I sat in the waiting room where he came and met me. I now brought out the money which we both confirmed to be the equivalent of the  N413 million. The exchange rate then was N197.”

“On the 12th of September 2014, N637 million was transferred to my account.  After N637million was transferred to my account, after like 40 minutes N363 million was also transferred into my account. On 13th October 2014, N630, 008,50, (Six Hundred and Thirty Million, Eight Thousand and Fifty Naira) was also transferred to my account.

“On 17th October 2014 1,0068,000 (One Billion, Sixty-eight Million) was transferred to my account. It is the woman that was directed by the former governor to do the transfers. The total money transferred to my account was N3 billion.” he added

The witness confirmed that he was not arrested by the EFCC for giving testimony in favor of the defendant, nor was he pressured by the Commission to testify against the defendant.

He also revealed that he did not maintain receipts or formal records of the transactions, explaining that he buys dollars from other traders and records the details at his own discretion.

However, the case was adjourned until October 4, 2024, for further proceedings.