FG Inaugurates 5-Member Panel To Probe Allegations Of Corruption In Nigeria Correctional Service, Including Bobrisky Case

Abuja, Nigeria- The Federal Government has inaugurated a five-member investigative panel to probe allegations of corruption and misconduct within the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

The panel, set up by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was inaugurated on Monday in Abuja.

The decision follows accusations that correctional personnel provided alternative accommodations for convicted cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, during his detention.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo, who also chairs the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), emphasized the importance of the panel’s work in restoring transparency and accountability within the NCoS.

The Minister previously suspended several officers in charge of the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State, over the alleged misconduct.

The probe panel is expected to conduct a thorough investigation, using a fact-based approach to uncover the full extent of the issues and recommend long-term solutions.

According to the Minister, “We want to reform the correctional service. Your core responsibility is to investigate specific allegations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers, especially the immediate one on Bobrisky which I expect to be out in two weeks.

Headed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Minister charged the committee to uphold justice without fear or favour to any party.

The minister said: “We will rely on your legal guidance to be sure that whatever we do is in line with the law of the land.

“We will rely on you to be able to come up with a way forward, as well as facts that would be made public to Nigerians.

“I want to say this very clearly, nobody will be shielded. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded.”

While proposing medium and long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences, the minister further charged the committee to identify systemic issues contributing to violations within the service and recommend concrete actions for immediate redress and policy reforms.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, who is also the Chairperson of the Investigation Panel, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, stated that the committee would do their best to deliver on the mandate.

Meanwhile, the committee are  Omotese Eva (Mrs.), Director Legal; Nasir Usman, Director, Joint Services; Dr. Uju Agomoh, President, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, PRAWA, who is a former Board Member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA); and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, Human Rights Radio consultant, a Forensic Researcher and Social Impact Expert with over 27 years experience in corporate leadership.