Bobrisky: FG Launches Investigation into Alleged Bribery, Corruption in Nigerian Prisons

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Wednesday initiated a thorough investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

This directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement released by his media aide, Babatunde Alao. The investigation follows reports involving Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months in prison earlier this year for mutilating Nigeria’s currency, the Naira.

In a leaked audio clip shared by social critic Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky allegedly claimed that he did not serve his jail term inside the correctional facility but instead stayed in an apartment near the centre. The audio suggested that a senior officer in the prison service, influenced by an undisclosed godfather, arranged the accommodation for Bobrisky.

Reacting to these allegations, Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, and corruption within the service would be met with severe consequences.

He stated, "The Ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law."

To ensure a rigorous, transparent, and impartial investigation, the Minister has appointed a special investigative team led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. The team is tasked with probing the allegations and submitting a comprehensive report.

Other members of the committee include Dr. Uju Agomuoh of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation And Welfare Action (PRAWA), Mrs. Eva Omatese, Director of Legal Ministry of Interior, Mr. Usman Nasiru, Director of Joint Services Ministry of Interior, and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo of The Brekete Family Show.

Bobrisky has denied the allegations, describing the audio recording as fake in an Instagram post. He asserted, "I didn’t pay any EFCC money; it is a very big lie. I served my term in full and I came out. Discard any false information."