FG Suspends Prison Officials Over N15m Bribery Allegation Involving Bobrisky

In a crackdown on corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the Federal Government has suspended several senior officials following allegations of bribery linked to the controversial figure Idris Okuneye, known publicly as Bobrisky. The scandal erupted when social media influencer Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, released a viral audio recording accusing Bobrisky of securing preferential treatment during his six-month prison sentence for naira note abuse through a bribe of N15 million.

The suspended individuals include Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controllers of Corrections at the Kirikiri Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Lagos. Additionally, Ogbule Samuel Obinna, an Assistant Superintendent of Correction II based in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, was also suspended for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility. This action follows an investigation initiated by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, prompted by the aforementioned allegations.

The scandal not only involves the NCoS but also hints at broader corruption, with Bobrisky allegedly stating in the leaked voice note that he paid N15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to have money laundering charges dropped, focusing only on his naira abuse charge. This has led to demands for transparency and accountability from both the NCoS and the EFCC.

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) confirmed the suspensions, with Ja’afaru Ahmed, the board’s secretary, stating that these measures are part of an ongoing investigation. The findings of this probe are expected to be made public, indicating a commitment to cleaning up the system.

This incident has reignited discussions on corruption within Nigeria’s justice system, where preferential treatment, especially for those with financial means, undermines the principle of equality before the law. Critics argue that such revelations tarnish the correctional services’ image and erode public trust in governmental institutions.

In response, Bobrisky‘s legal team, through a letter from Femi Falana, demanded a retraction of the defamatory statements made by VeryDarkMan within 24 hours, escalating the public spat into a legal confrontation.