An Independent Investigative Panel set up by the Federal Government to probe the detention conditions of crossdresser, Okuneye Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, has revealed that he was kept in a soundproofed cell while serving his jail term.
The panel said the ex-convict enjoyed extraordinary privileges, including the use of mobile phones across two custodial centres in Lagos.
It added that such privileges were far beyond what is permissible under Nigerian correctional law. Bobrisky was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment on April 12, 2024, for naira abuse.
He was released on August 5 after completing the jail term.
Weeks after his release, social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, shared an audio recording purportedly involving Bobrisky and another person.
In the recording, Bobrisky allegedly claimed he paid ₦15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money-laundering charges against him.
He also allegedly claimed that he bribed officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) to allow him to serve his prison term in a private apartment instead of a custodial facility.
The allegations triggered public outrage, prompting the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to set up an investigative panel on September 30.
The panel was chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalena Ajani.
Special Cell, Private Feeding
The panel’s report, recently submitted to the minister, detailed special treatment allegedly given to Bobrisky during his time at the Medium Security and Maximum Security Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos.
At the Medium Security Custodial Centre, the panel found that Bobrisky was kept in a special single cell with a personal toilet and bathroom, floor carpet, television, fridge, humidifier and “good-looking electric bulbs.”
He was also placed on self-feeding, with his brother and sister-in-law authorised to bring him meals.
The panel said Bobrisky was allowed visits by family members and friends as frequently and in whatever numbers he desired.
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