Bobrisky: Senior officers’ suspension over alleged custody violation stands, NCoS insists

The Nigeria Correctional Service has confirmed that the senior officers suspended for allegedly violating rules and regulations concerning the custody of cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, remain suspended.

The Officer-in-Charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections Michael Anugwa, had claimed during a parliamentary inquiry on Monday in Abuja that he had not been suspended, despite an official order from the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stating otherwise.

In response, NCoS spokesperson, Assistant Controller of Corrections, Abubakar Umar, issued a statement on Monday night affirming that the suspension, which took effect on 26th September 2024, had been communicated to the relevant officers.

He stated: “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a trending video of one of its senior officers claiming that the Service had not served him a letter of suspension, as earlier directed by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).

“The Service views this as an act of gross misconduct, aimed at misleading the public on the issue at hand.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Correctional Service suspended not only the officer in the video but three other officers, following their alleged roles in various misconducts, to allow for further investigation.

“The suspended officers are: the Officer-in-Charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Sikiru Adekunle; the Officer-in-Charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa; the Officer-in-Charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, FCT Command, DCC Kevin Ikechukwu Iloafonsi; and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC II) Ogbule Samuel Obinna of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.”

It is worth noting that two letters were issued by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) with reference numbers CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/16 and CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/17, both dated 26th September 2024, suspending the aforementioned officers.

“The suspension, which took effect from 26th September 2024, was conveyed to the various officers accordingly.

“The public is advised to remain patient as the Service ensures a thorough investigation. Any person or group found culpable will be punished in accordance with Public Service Rules and other relevant laws,” the statement stated.