The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed an ongoing investigation into allegations surrounding convicted cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky’s accommodation, with findings yet to be determined.

Abubakar Umar, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), and Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Umar also stressed the service’s dedication to rehabilitation and safety through its structured inmate admission process.

NAN recalls that Bobrisky was convicted for defacing the naira in April and sentenced to six months in prison.

NAN also reports that Mr. Vincent Otse, a social media influencer and human rights activist known as Very Dark Man (VDM), published an audio recording capturing Bobrisky allegedly claiming he spent his jail term in a private apartment.

The audio further alleged that Bobrisky claimed to have paid N15 million to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials to drop money laundering charges against him.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Sept. 30, the Federal Government inaugurated an independent investigative panel to probe allegations of corruption and gross violations of standard operating procedures within the NCoS.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who inaugurated the committee, stated that it must also investigate recent allegations that certain correctional service personnel had arranged alternative accommodation for Bobrisky.

Umar explained that inmates undergo comprehensive assessments to determine security risks, needs, and responsiveness issues upon arrival at custodial centres.

According to him, the admission board evaluates each inmate to ensure safe housing and effective rehabilitation.

Umar, while outlining the service’s rigorous admission process for inmates, added that adherence to human rights principles during the process is also crucial.

“Once every offender, whether awaiting trial or convicted, is brought to our facility, there is a process they must go through before and during admission,” he explained.

He continued, “During admission, we have what is called an admission board, which includes the officer in charge, the second in command, the medical officer in charge of the custodial centre, the record officer, and other relevant personnel.

“They will review the information contained in the warrants before the individual is assigned a cell. There is also what we call a determination of security.

“This security determination refers to the individual’s risk assessment. We evaluate if the person poses a risk of self-harm, the safety of other inmates and officers. We also conduct a needs assessment, which focuses on criminogenic needs, behaviours that may contribute to criminal activity.

“These are factors we consider before assigning an inmate to a cell.

“We also assess responsivity issues, which refer to things that may affect their participation in interventions or make it challenging for them to adapt to custodial life.

“After considering all these factors, it is determined which cell the inmate will be allocated to,” he said.

Umar stated that during Bobrisky’s court appearance and subsequent admission to the facility, he identified himself as male but noted that there were other physical features present.

“Because of these factors, including classification and security determination of the custodial centre, Bobrisky was assigned a suitable cell to ensure his safety and that he was not at risk within the facility,” Umar added.

He concluded, “The Minister of Interior has established a committee to investigate the allegations regarding Bobrisky’s alleged stay outside our custodial centre.

“So until the outcome of the investigation, I think we should refrain from drawing conclusions.

“What I can confirm is that once an individual is convicted and brought to our custodial centres, we follow a standardised treatment process during admission.

“Inmates are subjected to checks, and these checks guide us in determining their security, both for themselves and for the custodial centre.

“However, as to whether Bobrisky was kept in our custodial facilities or outside until the investigation concludes, I cannot provide further details,” he affirmed.