FG Suspends Four Government Officials After Bobrisky's Leaked Audio
In a swift response to a viral audio leak, the Federal Government has suspended four senior officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) following allegations of misconduct linked to the treatment of popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky. The suspended officials are from the Kirikiri Maximum and Medium Custodial Centres in Lagos, as well as facilities in Ebonyi and Abuja.
Background: Bobrisky's Conviction and Alleged Special Treatment
Bobrisky, who was recently convicted and sentenced to six months in jail, was reportedly afforded special privileges outside the custodial centre. This claim surfaced in an audio recording that spread across social media platforms, sparking public outrage. The audio alleged that Bobrisky was housed in a private apartment outside the correctional facility, bypassing standard custodial protocols.
In response to the growing controversy, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered an investigation into the claims on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. This investigation led to the immediate suspension of key officials pending further inquiries.
Officials Suspended for Alleged Misconduct
The Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Ja’afaru Ahmed, announced the suspensions through an official statement issued in Abuja on Thursday. The suspensions are part of the government’s effort to ensure a thorough investigation into the alleged infractions.
Ahmed's statement named the suspended officers as:
- Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri, Lagos.
- Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in charge of the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri, Lagos.
Additionally, ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, an officer serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, was also suspended. Obinna is accused of escorting a convicted inmate out of the facility without proper authorization.
Broader Disciplinary Action
In a related development, another senior official, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), who oversees the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, has also been suspended. Ikechukwu is under investigation for allegedly receiving bribes on behalf of an inmate.
Government's Commitment to Transparency
The suspension of these officials is part of the government’s broader commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability within the Nigerian Correctional Service. Ahmed assured the public that the ongoing investigation would be conducted with due diligence, and the findings would be made public once concluded.
The incident has raised concerns about corruption and misconduct within the country’s correctional facilities. The government’s swift action is seen as a necessary step towards restoring public confidence in the correctional system.
Conclusion
The suspension of these senior officers highlights the government’s zero-tolerance policy on any form of misconduct or preferential treatment within its institutions. As the investigation continues, all eyes will be on the outcome, particularly regarding the handling of Bobrisky’s case and the broader implications for Nigeria’s correctional services
0 Comments