‘Bobrisky Kept In Soundproofed Cell, Had Access To Phones’ – FG 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 while serving his jail term.

Naija News reports that the panel said the ex-convict enjoyed extraordinary privileges, including the use of mobile phones across two custodial centres in Lagos.

It added that such privileges were far beyond what is permissible under Nigerian correctional law. Bobrisky was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment on April 12, 2024, for naira abuse.

He was released on August 5 after completing the jail term.

Weeks after his release, social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, shared an audio recording purportedly involving Bobrisky and another person.

In the recording, Bobrisky allegedly claimed he paid ₦15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money-laundering charges against him.

He also allegedly claimed that he bribed officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) to allow him to serve his prison term in a private apartment instead of a custodial facility.

The allegations triggered public outrage, prompting the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to set up an investigative panel on September 30.

The panel was chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalena Ajani.

Special Cell, Private Feeding

The panel’s report, recently submitted to the minister, detailed special treatment allegedly given to Bobrisky during his time at the Medium Security and Maximum Security Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos.

At the Medium Security Custodial Centre, the panel found that Bobrisky was kept in a special single cell with a personal toilet and bathroom, floor carpet, television, fridge, humidifier and “good-looking electric bulbs.”

He was also placed on self-feeding, with his brother and sister-in-law authorised to bring him meals.

The panel said Bobrisky was allowed visits by family members and friends as frequently and in whatever numbers he desired.

“Okuneye Idris was on self-feeding during his time at the Maximum Custodial Centre. The panel has not yet ascertained if this was officially applied for,” the report added.

The panel said Bobrisky’s privileges continued at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre.

It found that his cell was decorated with wallpaper and furnished with a big bed, carpet, humidifier and a television in an adjoining decorated room.

A fellow inmate was also reportedly assigned to attend to his personal needs. The report noted that the inmate had previously been attached to the Chief Warder’s office.

The panel also said Bobrisky received visitors frequently inside the office of the facility’s officer-in-charge, a privilege not available to ordinary inmates.

It added that he was transported between facilities in the operational vehicle of the Controller of the Lagos State Command, accompanied by the state controller.

“Transportation from medium-security to maximum-security Kirikiri with the operational vehicle of the then Controller of Lagos State Command and in the company of the State Controller,” the report stated.

One of the panel’s major findings was the discovery of a soundproofed door on Bobrisky’s private cell, Room A12, at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre.

“There is a need to thoroughly investigate why the door was padded to understand what noise or sound was being shielded from the others,” the panel stated.

It added that it would “be good to know whether this was because of the use of the phone or for any other reasons.”

The panel further said it believed Bobrisky used mobile phones in custody despite the prohibition.

Panel Recommends DSS Probe

The panel recommended that the Department of State Services (DSS) investigate whether Bobrisky, directly or through a proxy, bribed EFCC or NCoS officials.

It said that if the allegation was substantiated, he should face charges under anti-corruption laws.

The panel also recommended that the NCoS file defamation suits against Bobrisky under Sections 373 to 375 of the Criminal Code Act over his “false claims about bypassing the prison system, tarnishing the institution’s reputation.”

The panel also recommended prosecuting VeryDarkMan over allegations of libel, data privacy violations, and incitement.

“Libel: VeryDarkMan should be charged under Sections 373-375 of the Criminal Code for disseminating unverified claims that defamed government officials and agencies.

“Incitement: He should also be charged with incitement under the Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits the spread of false information intended to erode public trust in institutions.

“Data Privacy Violations: The DSS should be requested to investigate whether Very Dark Man unlawfully intercepted Bobrisky’s phone conversations. If proven, he may face charges under Section 37 of the Cybercrimes Act for illegal communication interception,” the report added.