In a bid to address allegations of bribery and corruption, Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has inaugurated an independent investigative panel to probe the alleged involvement of popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, and personnel from the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS).The minister emphasized that the panel, which was launched on Monday, aims to bring transparency and reform to the correctional service. According to Tunji-Ojo, the move is part of broader efforts to ensure that the personnel within NCoS adhere to high ethical standards, particularly in light of recent accusations.The controversy arose after an audio recording, allegedly featuring Bobrisky's voice, surfaced online last week. In the recording, Bobrisky is heard claiming that intervention from a "godfather" prevented him from serving a six-month sentence at Kirikiri Prison in Lagos. This claim has sparked public concern over possible misconduct within the correctional service.To ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, the minister has appointed Dr. Magdalena Ajani, the Permanent Secretary, to head the panel. Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the panel's mandate is not limited to the Bobrisky case, but also extends to examining broader issues of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates within NCoS.“We want to truly reform the correctional service," Tunji-Ojo stated. "Your core responsibility is to investigate specific allegations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers, particularly the recent case involving Bobrisky. I expect a detailed report in two weeks.”The minister also assured Nigerians that the investigation would be conducted transparently and in accordance with the law. "Nobody, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded. We are committed to ensuring accountability and will make the findings of this investigation public," he added.
