A Federal Government investigative panel has revealed that controversial social media personality Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, received special treatment during his six-month prison sentence, raising fresh questions about compliance with correctional regulations in Nigeria.
The panel, set up to determine whether Bobrisky fully served his jail term and under what conditions, reportedly uncovered several privileges that were not available to regular inmates.
According to the report, Bobrisky was allegedly housed in a specially designated soundproof cell and enjoyed benefits that went beyond what is permitted under the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) guidelines.
The panel stated that the crossdresser was allowed unrestricted access to mobile phones, received frequent visits from family members and associates, and was permitted to eat meals outside the standard prison menu.
Investigators also found that another inmate was allegedly assigned to attend to Bobrisky’s personal needs during his stay at both the Medium and Maximum Security Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos.
The findings have reportedly placed the Nigerian Correctional Service under scrutiny, with the panel accusing some officials of granting unlawful privileges during Bobrisky’s incarceration.
As part of its recommendations, the panel called for a deeper investigation into whether any officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Nigerian Correctional Service received bribes connected to the matter.
The report recommended that the Department of State Services (DSS) take over that aspect of the investigation and determine whether any financial inducements were exchanged to secure preferential treatment.
The panel also suggested that the Nigerian Correctional Service consider legal action against Bobrisky over statements it believes may have damaged the institution’s reputation.
In another major recommendation, the panel called for social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) to face prosecution over the circulation of leaked audio recordings linked to the controversy.
According to the report, VDM should be investigated and possibly prosecuted for alleged libel, incitement, and violations of data privacy laws after publishing audio clips that sparked widespread public outrage.
The controversy began after Bobrisky, who was sentenced on April 12, 2024, for abusing the Nigerian naira, completed his six-month prison term and was released on August 5, 2024.
However, questions about the conditions of his imprisonment intensified after leaked audio recordings surfaced online, prompting the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to order an independent investigation.
The panel’s findings have now reignited public debate about accountability within Nigeria’s correctional system and whether influential individuals receive preferential treatment while serving prison sentences.
With calls for further investigations and possible legal action, the report is expected to generate fresh reactions from both supporters and critics of those involved.
Source: Federal Government Investigative Panel Report
