Bobrisky had designated inmate to run errand for him while in prison, says panel report

The Nigerian Government investigation has revealed that the controversial ex-convict Idris Okuneye popularly called Bobrisky enjoyed several special privileges while in custody at the Medium-security and Maximum-security custodial centres, Kirikiri, Lagos, with designated inmate to run errands for him

Penpushing reports that presenting the report to the Minister, President of the Panel and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani explained that it was the first phase, adding that the report contained findings regarding Bobrisky and allegations against some personnel at the Kuje Correctional Centre by Abdulrasheed Maina.

The report submitted on Monday stated that there was no evidence indicating that Bobrisky lived outside the Correctional Service Centre within his six months of imprisonment, stressing that he had furnished single cells, humidifier, rugged floor and had time to receive visitors.

“He had furnished single cells, humidifier, rugged floor and lots of visits by his family members and friends as he desired. Visits were also held inside the office of the officer-in-charge of the custodial centre. He also enjoyed the privileges of self-feeding, designated inmate to run errands for him, access to fridge and television, and possibly access to his phone,’’

Penpushing further reports that Ajani, however, underscored the need to further investigate, if the privileges were financially induced and based on corrupt practices by correctional officers, noting that the peculiarities and physical appearances of the responder probably led to the special treatment he received from the correctional officers.

The panel said findings revealed that the decision to transfer Bobrisky from the Ikoyi custodial centre to the Medium maximum centre was made by Ben Freeman, the then controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCos), Lagos State Command.

“The state controller, however, has the power by law to transfer inmates within the same state. Proper documentation was, however, not made prior to his transfers but the documents were later provided and backdated’, Ajani added.

“This is in violation of Section 168 and 169 of the NCoS service standing order, and the transfer of Bobrisky being a first offender violates section 16 4(a) (b) of the Ncos Act, 2019’, the report panel emphasised.

Penpushing also reports that the panel, however, proposed that in future, provisions should be made available for peculiarities such as Bobrisky’s case adding that steps should be taken to avoid obvious discriminatory practices in relation to the socio-economic levels and other statuses of inmates.

The panel report in the same vein, indicated that it was true that a senior officer collected funds from convict Abdulrasheed Maina’s son, explaining that upon interrogation of the officer, it was discovered that money was paid into his personal account.

‘The officer claimed that the money paid into his personal account was for the purpose of catering for Maina’s welfare and health. He acted unethically and brought himself and the service to great disrepute by requesting and receiving money from Maina’s son.

“The panel is of the view that, even if the transfers were made with Maina’s approval, it is still a violation, as the officer’s conduct was not consistent with institutional regulations. The panel therefore recommended that all correctional service personnel should “be re-trained and be persons of integrity and character.”

Penpushing reports that the panel in similar vein recommended that personnel without previous direct heading of a custodial centre should not be deployed to head big and sensitive custodial centres.

‘The gross under-funding of the Nigerian correctional service, poor welfare package and working conditions of correctional officers are factors that encourage corruption and commercialisation of provision of welfare and other services to inmates’, Ajani said.

Penpushing further reports that the Minister in response stated that any officer found culpable based on the report would face disciplinary actions, stressing that there was nothing to be hide by his ministry and the panel.

“We have nothing to hide and it is about reform and making sure we build strong institutions that will outlive every one of us, and the correctional service is a key institution in the security architecture’, the Minister stated.

“We will follow this up with action and make sure we build a service that will not be condemnatory to inmates. We want to reform the service in a way that it will be the bridge between the weak and the strongest,” he said.

Penpushing also reports that the minister assured that it would no longer be business as usual, adding, that the renewed hope starts with his ministry, while it is recalled that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to look into allegations of gross violation of standard operating procedures within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCos).

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