Bobrisky: FG inaugurates panel to probe allegations of corruption in NCoS

The Federal Government has inaugurated an independent investigative panel to probe allegations of corruption and violations of standard operating procedures within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, led the inauguration on Monday in Abuja.

This panel will investigate recent allegations, including claims that correctional officers provided alternative accommodations for convicted cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

The formation of the panel follows the suspension of several officers at Kirikiri Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres amid accusations of misconduct in Bobrisky’s case.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the panel’s mission to ensure transparency and accountability, calling for a thorough and fact-based investigation to identify lasting solutions to the challenges faced by the correctional service.

“We want to reform the correctional service. Your core responsibility is to investigate specific allegations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers, especially the immediate one on Bobrisky which I expect to be out in two weeks,” he said.

Headed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Minister charged the committee to uphold justice without fear or favour to any party.

The minister said: “We will rely on your legal guidance to be sure that whatever we do is in line with the law of the land.

“We will rely on you to be able to come up with a way forward, as well as facts that would be made public to Nigerians.

“I want to say this very clearly, nobody will be shielded. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded.”

While proposing medium and long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences, the minister further charged the committee to identify systemic issues contributing to violations within the service and recommend concrete actions for immediate redress and policy reforms.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, who is also the Chairperson of the Investigation Panel, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, stated that the committee would do their best to deliver on the mandate.

Members

The committee comprises Omotese Eva (Mrs.), Director Legal; Nasir Usman, Director, Joint Services; Dr. Uju Agomoh, President, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, PRAWA, who is a former Board Member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA); and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, Human Rights Radio consultant, a Forensic Researcher and Social Impact Expert with over 27 years experience in corporate leadership.