Controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, may face fresh criminal charges over allegations that he bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS).
A panel set up to investigate the claims has recommended that Bobrisky face defamation and criminal charges for tarnishing the image of the correctional service with false claims.
Bobrisky was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment on April 12 for abusing the naira and was released on August 5.
However, a voice note shared by social critic Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, alleged that Bobrisky bribed EFCC officers with N15m to drop money laundering charges against him. The voice note also claimed that Bobrisky bribed NCS officials to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment.
The investigation panel, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalena Ajani, found no evidence that Bobrisky slept outside the Kirikiri Custodial Centre during his sentence. The panel recommended that the NCS file defamation suits against Bobrisky under sections 373-375 of the Criminal Code Act.
Additionally, the panel asked the Department of State Services to investigate whether Bobrisky bribed EFCC or NCS officials directly or through a proxy. If substantiated, Bobrisky may face charges under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
Four correctional officers, including a former Controller of Corrections, Ben Rabbi-Freeman, were recommended for disciplinary action for their roles in Bobrisky’s imprisonment. The officers were accused of improper documentation and backdating transfer documents.
The controversy surrounding Bobrisky’s imprisonment has sparked debate on human rights and recognition of crossdressers, transgenders, and transsexual individuals in Nigeria’s laws and institutions. Activists argue that the government should provide special facilities for transgender inmates and respect their rights regardless of sexual orientation.
Human rights lawyer Toyin Taiwo-Ojo noted that the Federal Government’s position on homosexuality is ambiguous and called for a re-evaluation of Bobrisky’s detention. The Nigerian prison system has been criticized for its harsh conditions, and activists advocate for reforms to ensure the dignity and human rights of all inmates.
