The Federal Government has suspended several senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) following allegations of bribery involving controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. The suspension comes in response to viral claims of bribery tied to Bobrisky’s legal troubles.

The allegations were first raised by a blogger, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, who accused officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of accepting ₦15 million from Bobrisky in exchange for dropping money laundering charges against him. The blogger further alleged that Bobrisky paid millions of naira to secure preferential treatment in prison after his sentencing in April.

In response, Bobrisky has denied the accusations, and both the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service launched investigations into the claims. On Thursday, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board confirmed the suspension of the implicated officers, pending further investigation into the matter.

A statement signed by Ja’afaru Ahmed, on behalf of the board, explained that the suspension is part of an effort to ensure a thorough investigation of the allegations. Ahmed assured that the results of the investigation would be made public once concluded.

The officers suspended include Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri, Lagos; Sikiru Adekunle, DCC at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos; and ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility.

In a related case, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, DCC in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, has also been suspended for allegedly accepting bribes on behalf of an inmate. The board emphasized that these suspensions are aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability within the correctional system.