In a significant development, the Federal Government has suspended several senior officers from the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State. This action comes in response to a viral audio leak suggesting that Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, who was recently convicted and sentenced to six months in prison, had been granted unauthorized access to an apartment outside the custodial facility.
Ja’afaru Ahmed, the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), made the announcement in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had initiated an investigation into the allegations the previous day, emphasizing the importance of accountability within the correctional system.
In his statement, Ahmed detailed the suspensions, indicating that they are intended to facilitate a thorough investigation into the various claims surrounding the incident. He assured the public that the findings would be disclosed once the investigation is complete. “Following the viral video trending on social media concerning alleged infractions by Officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service related to Mr. Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has suspended forthwith the following Senior Officers of the Service,” he stated.
The officers suspended include:
- Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri, Lagos State.
- Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri, Lagos State.
- Ogbule Samuel Obinna, Assistant Superintendent of Corrections II (ASC II), serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Afikpo, Ebonyi State, who is alleged to have accompanied a convicted inmate outside the Custodial Centre.
- Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje, Abuja, for allegedly receiving money on behalf of an inmate.
These actions reflect the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the correctional system and ensuring that such violations do not occur. The case has raised serious concerns about the management of custodial facilities and the potential for corruption within the ranks of correctional officers.
As the investigation unfolds, it underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Nigerian correctional system and the necessity for reforms aimed at preventing misconduct and enhancing accountability. The outcome of this inquiry is anticipated to shed light on the practices within the facilities and lead to necessary changes to prevent future incidents.
The public is watching closely, eager for transparency and justice in this matter, as the implications of these allegations extend beyond the individuals involved, reflecting on the broader state of the correctional system in Nigeria.
