Newsbreak: Four senior correctional officers suspended amid Bobrisky N15m bribe investigation

September 26, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has suspended four senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) due to allegations of misconduct involving Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

The suspended officers are Michael Anugwa. Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kiri-kiri, Lagos State, Sikiru Adekunle (DCC) overseeing the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kiri-kiri, Lagos State, Ogbule Samuel Obinna, (ASC II) stationed at the MSCC in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja, for reportedly receiving money on behalf of an inmate

The suspensions come after a viral video surfaced on social media, sparking investigations into the allegations.

However, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered deeper investigation into the bribery claims, emphasizing the government’s stance on corruption.

Bobrisky, who is a social media influencer, was convicted in April for abusing naira notes and allegedly made claims that he paid N15 million to unnamed officers to arrange for him to serve his six-month prison sentence in a private apartment rather than in a correctional facility.

According to the voice recording release, He alleged that he paid N15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to have money laundering charges dropped.

The controversy has led to denials and demands for retractions.

Femi Falana, a prominent human rights lawyer, denied any involvement in Bobrisky’s case, demanding a retraction of defamatory statements made against him.

The investigation is ongoing, with the government promising transparency and thoroughness in addressing the allegations.