The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed the suspension of several senior officers due to a bribery scandal connected to popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky. Last week, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) announced that four officers had been suspended for various corruption cases, including Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa.

During a House of Representatives investigation on September 30, Anugwa, who manages the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kiri-kiri, Lagos, stated he had not received any official suspension letter, despite the board’s previous announcement. Bobrisky had served his sentence at this facility.

Following Anugwa’s denial, Umar Abubakar, the Assistant Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer, issued a statement late that night. The statement asserted that Anugwa’s claim was misleading and regarded as gross misconduct. It also clarified that the CDCFIB had sent two official letters on September 26, 2024, suspending the officers, and these suspensions were effective immediately.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Correctional Service suspended not only the said officer in the video, but three other officers following their alleged roles in various misconducts so as to allow for further investigation.

The suspended officers are the officer-in-charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Sikiru Adekunle; the officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa; the officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, FCT command, DCC Kevin Ikechukwu Iloafonsi; and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC II) Ogbule Samuel Obinna of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abakiliki, Ebonyi state,” the statement added.

The Correctional Service assured the public that a comprehensive investigation would take place to ensure accountability and transparency in this matter.

“Any person or group of persons found culpable would be punished in line with the Public Service Rules as well as other extant laws.”