Bobrisky enjoyed phones, VIP treatment in custody — Panel

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 and enjoyed privileges far beyond what is permitted under Nigerian correctional laws.

The panel’s report stated that Bobrisky had access to mobile phones during his incarceration at both the Medium Security and Maximum Security Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos, and received treatment not available to ordinary inmates.

Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment on April 12, 2024, for naira abuse and was released on August 5 after serving his jail term.

The controversy surrounding his imprisonment intensified weeks after his release when social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, shared an audio recording purportedly featuring Bobrisky. In the recording, Bobrisky allegedly claimed that he paid N15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges and bribed officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to serve his sentence in a private apartment.

The allegations triggered public outrage and prompted the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to establish an investigative panel on September 30, headed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalena Ajani.

According to the report, Bobrisky occupied a special single cell at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, equipped with a personal toilet and bathroom, a carpet, television, fridge, humidifier and electric lighting. He was also placed on self-feeding, with his brother and sister-in-law permitted to bring him meals.

The panel further found that he enjoyed unrestricted visits from family members and friends and received similar privileges at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, where his cell was reportedly decorated with wallpaper and furnished with a large bed, carpet, humidifier and a television.

A fellow inmate was also assigned to attend to his personal needs, while visits were conducted in the office of the officer-in-charge of the facility.

The report also revealed that Bobrisky was transported between the two custodial centres in the official vehicle of the Lagos State Command Controller and accompanied by the state controller.

One of the panel’s most significant findings was the discovery of a soundproofed door on Bobrisky’s private cell, identified as Room A12, at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre. The panel recommended further investigation to determine why the door was padded and whether it was connected to his alleged use of mobile phones or for other reasons.

The panel recommended that the Department of State Services investigate allegations that Bobrisky directly or indirectly bribed officials of the EFCC and the NCoS and that he should face anti-corruption charges if the claims are substantiated.

It also recommended that the NCoS institute defamation proceedings against Bobrisky over allegations that he bypassed the prison system and damaged the institution’s reputation.

Regarding VeryDarkMan, the panel recommended that he be investigated and prosecuted for alleged libel, incitement and possible violations of data privacy laws over the publication of the audio recording and claims made against government agencies and officials.