The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a full investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
This follows claims by Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, that he avoided serving a prison sentence in a correctional facility due to the influence of his godfather and the intervention of high-ranking officials.
In a video shared by social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky described how he allegedly served his six-month sentence in a private apartment instead of a correctional facility. According to Bobrisky, his godfather made arrangements with the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to keep him out of prison.
“When I got to court, I admitted guilt, hoping for either a fine or community service. However, the court sentenced me. On my way to prison, my godfather called and assured me I wouldn’t enter prison. He told me not to worry and said he would arrange an apartment near the prison and speak to the Comptroller General of Prisons in Abuja,” Bobrisky said.
Bobrisky claimed he was taken to a private apartment after these discussions, where he was instructed to stay until his sentence was completed.
“They informed the person at the apartment that their boss instructed them to keep me there and not let me leave. The person said he’d collect N10 million, so I had to call Elele again. Elele gave me N2 million because there was no one else to call,” he continued.
The minister responded swiftly to these serious allegations. In a statement released by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, Tunji-Ojo condemned the alleged behavior and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter. He emphasized that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, or corruption would not be tolerated within the paramilitary services under the Ministry of Interior.
“The Minister of Interior has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service. Tunji-Ojo unequivocally condemned the alleged reprehensible behavior, emphasizing that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, or corruption will be met with zero tolerance and severe consequences within the paramilitary services under the Ministry’s purview,” the statement read.
The minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to upholding its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. He vowed to take all necessary steps to root out corruption and ensure that those found guilty face the full wrath of the law.
Alao also mentioned that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, would lead the investigative team.
“The minister has called for a special investigative team, headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, to probe these allegations and submit a comprehensive report,” Alao said.
He assured the public that the investigation would be thorough, transparent, and impartial.
“The minister reassures the public that the investigation will be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, and that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against any personnel found guilty,” he added.