Controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, may face fresh criminal charges following allegations that he bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
A panel set up by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to investigate the claims has recommended that Bobrisky face defamation and criminal charges.
The panel’s report, obtained by Sunday PUNCH, stated that Bobrisky tarnished the image of the NCoS with false claims of serving his six-month sentence in a private apartment.
Bobrisky was accused of bribing EFCC officers with N15m to drop money laundering charges against him. He also claimed to have bribed NCoS officials to serve his sentence in a private apartment.
The panel recommended that the Department of State Services (DSS) investigate the bribery allegations. If substantiated, Bobrisky should face charges under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
Four NCoS officers were recommended for disciplinary action, including former Controller of Corrections, Ben Rabbi-Freeman, and Deputy Controller of Corrections, Michael Anugwa.
The panel called for an audit of all inmates and detainees in NCoS custodial centers and recommended the de-commercialization of welfare and support services to inmates.
Bobrisky’s case 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.
