The Federal Government has pledged that all individuals involved in the alleged bribery scandal linked to crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, will face justice. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this statement during a press briefing in Abuja, marking his one year in office.
The minister previously ordered an investigation into allegations of corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) after reports surfaced that Bobrisky, sentenced to prison earlier this year, did not serve his time at the correctional facility.
As part of the investigation, several senior officers of the NCoS were suspended by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board. Those suspended include Deputy Controller of Corrections Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle, both in charge of correctional centres in Lagos, and ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna in Ebonyi State for allegedly escorting an inmate outside the facility. Additionally, Deputy Controller Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu in Abuja was suspended for reportedly receiving money on behalf of an inmate.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and promised that anyone found guilty will be held accountable. He urged patience while the authorities work to uncover the full extent of the wrongdoing.
“We will not spare anybody no matter how highly placed. Let’s be patient. Investigation is on but let’s be assured that nobody will be shielded and nobody will be protected,” the minister stressed.
He added that the investigation will go beyond the allegations involving Bobrisky.
“It is not just about Bobrisky. Of the four people we suspended only two are linked to Bobrisky. The one in Afikpo took somebody out. This will continue. It is not going to stop here.”
Tunji-Ojo described the persons in the investigation committee as people of integrity.
“Look at the integrity of the people that are involved. Let the integrity of the people in the committee give you confidence,” he added.