By EricJames Ochigbo
THE COMPTROLLER-GENERAL of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Haliru Nababa has said that Mr Idris Okuneye, a crossdresser popularly known as Bobrisky, served his jail term in correctional facility in Lagos State.
Nababa stated this while addressing the House of Representatives Committee investigating alleged bribery and misconduct against the NCS and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Bobrisky was convicted for mutilating the naira and was sentenced to six months in jail.
NAN reports that Mr Vincent Otse, social media influencer and human rights activist known as Very Dark Man (VDM) published an audio recording which captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he spent his jail term in a private apartment.
The audio also captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he paid N15 million to EFCC officials to drop charges of money laundering against him.
Nababa, however, explained to the committee that Bobrisky was convicted and was incarcerated from April 12 to August 13, 2024 in the facility.
He said that there was no time when Bobrisky was allowed outside the correctional facility saying that there are records of his activities in jail to show that he was in the facility.
He, however, said that as a result of special features such as mammary gland and curvy hips which portrays Bobrisky like a woman, he was kept in a private cell away from other inmates.
According to him, this is in line with international best practices as it is to protect his human right and to protect him against violation by other inmates.
Nababa also said that for security reasons, Bobrisky was at a point, moved from Medium Security Custodian Centre to Maximum Security Custodian Centre all within the correctional facility.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede said that no money was received to drop charges against Bobrisky.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Michael Nzekwe, Olukoyede said that in April, 2024, Bobrisky while undergoing investigation, in his extra-judicial statement made a confession.
He said that Bobrisky was alleged to have failed to submit to Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) a declaration of its activities of his firm, Bob Express.
According to Olukoyede, this is contrary to Section 6(1) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022
“Notwithstanding the unequivocal confession of the now ex-convict admitting the essential ingredients, the prosecution in total fidelity and candour to its oath and strict adherence to professional practice of not only disclosing exculpatory documents to the defence.
“We received a report of the investigation activities from SCUML which showed that Bob Express is not a Designated Non-Financial Business and Profession (DNFBP),
“We then decided to drop the charge in the interest of justice and fair hearing, without any inducement or prompting of any sort from the defence, and in line with the mandate of the Special Task Force against Naira abuse,” he said.
Earlier, VDM told the committee that he was in possession of more evidence yet to be released to the public saying that he would continue to fight corruption.
He said that while other Nigerians are in jail for offenses committed, Bobrisky should not be given any form of special treatment.
“Nigeria is not for the godfathers, I will not allow corruption, if I see a secret about you, I will tell, I am being very honest, I will not fear anybody because Nigeria is going down.
“I will implore you people to do the right thing because the judiciary system is been messed up so bad, you people have to to save your face,” he said.
He, however, tendered some part of the evidence to the committee and promise to release more as the investigation progresses.
He told the committee to ensure Bobrisky appears before it and not to tolerate any further disrespect from him.
In his ruling, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Ginger Onwusibe (LP-Abia) said that Bobrisky must appear in person in their next hearing.
He demanded video footage of the activities of Bobrisky throughout his terms in the correctional facility.
The chairman said that the accounts provided by VDM into which the allayed money for bribe was paid into will be investigated.
The hearing was then adjourned to a further date to announced.
NAN reports that Bobrisky was absent at the hearing and his counsel who came to represent him was not recognised to speak as he had no letter or approval to speak on his behalf. (NAN)
