Recently, Nigerians have been talking about the alleged special treatment that Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, received during his six-month jail term. Bobrisky, a famous cross-dresser, was convicted on May 12, 2024, and initially sent to the Ikoyi prison. However, due to the growing attention his presence attracted, he was moved to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri.
A highly credible source said;
“He was first moved to the Ikoyi prison where he spent a few days before the controller, Ben-Rabbi Freedman, moved him to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri.”
Reports suggest that Bobrisky only spent a few days in the medium-security prison before being transferred again to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri. While in prison, Bobrisky reportedly had visits from some relatives, and all his activities were monitored.
“Many people visited him in the place, including three family members. Those people followed due process and that was why they were able to see and visit him. I also saw him in the prison. He looked gentle and sober,” the source added.
According to inside sources, Bobrisky may have been placed in a “special cell,” a privilege often reserved for Very Important Persons (VIPs) or inmates who may face threats from others. These special cells are designed to provide extra protection, and the cost of using such rooms is usually decided by the officer in charge. Another source confirmed that such arrangements are often made through negotiations between inmates and prison officials, starting from the court process.
“The place is like a back cell or a single cell originally reserved for well-behaved inmates. This is in accordance with prison rules. They are put there to compensate for their good behaviour. However, when warders bring in certain people, they are taken there. They live whichever way they want. Some of the inmates furnish the place to their taste,” the source stated.
However, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, denied these claims, stating that no inmate, including Bobrisky, received any special treatment.
“They collect huge sums of money from them, depending on the kind of inmates they have. When you saw the fight between operatives of the DSS and prison service for (Godwin) Emefiele on the court premises, what did you think was the reason? It’s because of the benefits that come with having such a person in custody,” the source added.
“Inmates who saw him at the medium prison before he was moved to maximum prison were not many. It was all planned.”
The controversy grew further when an audio clip surfaced online, in which Bobrisky allegedly told an unidentified person that his godfather helped him secure a private apartment during his time in prison. This has led to a federal investigation to determine whether or not the allegations are true.
“We are not aware of such. They are alien to us. However, that information will be investigated. All inmates are given the same treatment. We don’t have any preferential treatment for anybody” he insisted
As Nigerians await the outcome of the investigation, the debate over whether Bobrisky truly received VIP treatment continues.
