F resh controversy has emerged over the incarceration of popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, following startling revelations by a community leader in Lagos alleging a deep web of corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The Baale of Kirikiri Town, Chief Babalola Shabi — popularly known as "Baale No-Nonsense" — accused prison officials of aiding a scheme that allowed Bobrisky to live lavishly outside the Kirikiri correctional facility during his supposed jail term.
Speaking during a town hall meeting organized by the Lagos State Police Command as part of the National Police Week activities, Chief Shabi claimed Bobrisky smuggled eight Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards into prison and used them to transfer a total of ₦35 million through local Point of Sale (POS) operators. The funds, he said, were used to bribe prison officials for preferential treatment.
“Everyone thought Bobrisky was inside serving time. But in reality, he was living in a private apartment outside the prison, arranged by corrupt officials,” Shabi told the gathering.
The traditional ruler said he personally uncovered the scheme by summoning all POS operators in the Kirikiri area to his palace. Based on the information gathered, he alerted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which traced the transactions and confirmed the money trail.
“The EFCC acted swiftly after I tipped them off. From the withdrawals, it was clear this was a well-coordinated ring. N35 million doesn’t move that fast without serious inside help,” he said.
Shabi also revealed that the apartment where Bobrisky allegedly stayed during his sentence has been demolished, and some prison officials involved in the scandal have been suspended. He added that both the Department of State Services (DSS) and EFCC have questioned him as part of ongoing investigations.
“As a community leader, I won’t fold my arms and watch impunity thrive. I’ve told DSS and EFCC everything I know,” he asserted.
This new account contradicts findings previously presented by a National Assembly panel, which acknowledged Bobrisky received special treatment but insisted he remained within the prison facility throughout his sentence.
Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in 2024 for naira abuse and was released in August of the same year. However, controversy surrounding her imprisonment has persisted.
In a separate twist, controversial social commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, leaked an alleged voice recording of Bobrisky claiming she paid ₦15 million to EFCC officials to drop a money laundering charge. In the audio, Bobrisky claimed that a powerful “godfather” and corrupt Correctional Service officials orchestrated the luxury arrangement for her time behind bars.
The EFCC and DSS have yet to issue formal statements on the latest revelations, but public pressure is mounting for an independent probe into the growing allegations of corruption within the prison system.
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