Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has addressed the controversy surrounding the imprisonment of crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
He stated that it reveals deeper institutional challenges within Nigeria.
Bobrisky recently faced scrutiny over allegations that he paid for special treatment while serving a jail sentence for naira abuse. Viral audio suggested that he bribed officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to secure preferential conditions in prison.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the incident, which has sparked widespread discussion for months, points to systemic issues in the nation’s institutions.
“When there is an institutional problem, a quick fix is not the solution,” he stated. “We established a committee to investigate all related matters, not just this case but broader issues like officials absconding. It’s a deep-seated institutional problem.”
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for comprehensive reform in Nigeria’s institutions to prevent similar incidents from recurring. “We cannot pass today’s problems on to the future,” he said.
Further allegations emerged from blogger Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, who claimed in viral videos that Bobrisky paid ₦15 million to officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to avoid money laundering charges. Following his April 2024 sentencing, Bobrisky reportedly secured a choice spot in prison by paying additional bribes. However, Bobrisky has denied these claims.
In response, the EFCC and NCoS launched investigations into the alleged misconduct. The House of Representatives also intervened, calling on those involved to provide testimony, and the Federal Government suspended several senior NCoS officers.
On September 30, 2024, Tunji-Ojo inaugurated a committee to probe the NCoS for alleged gross misconduct. After extensive review, the panel reported finding no evidence to suggest that Bobrisky received special privileges or slept outside the custodial center during his six-month sentence from April 12 to August 5, 2024, in line with correctional policies.
