The Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service yesterday debunked the report that the controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky was enjoying special privileges and that he was occupying a newly built VIP apartment in the Kirikiri correctional centre.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, while sentencing the convict to a six-month prison, on Friday, April 12, 2024, said the judgment would be a deterrent to others who are found abusing and mutilating the naira.
Responding to a news report that the convict occupied a newly built VIP apartment in the Kirikiri correctional centre, the NCoS, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Rotimi Oladokun, on Saturday dismissed the claims.
He disclosed that Bobrisky shared the same cell with other convicted inmates, adding that there were no en-suite or ‘one-bedroom flat’ style cells in the Custodial Centre.
The spokesman revealed that cell block infrastructure in the facility was built as shared buildings to accommodate multiple inmates.
“The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service Lagos State Command has been drawn to some mischievous and misleading online publications.
“Without prejudice to NCoS right to seek legal redress for the libellous publication, outlined are clarification on the said issues.
“The convicted inmate, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju aka Bobrisky is currently serving a six-month jail term for abuse and mutilation of the Naira note within the custody of the Custodial Centre in the State.
“The Convict is entitled to the reformative and rehabilitative platforms either educational and/or vocational training as provided to all inmates in custody.
“Idris has been allocated a shared cell with other convicted inmates. There are no en-suite or ‘one-bedroom flat’ style cells in our Custodial Centre as the cell blocks infrastructure are built as shared buildings, to accommodate multiple inmates,” the spokesperson said.
Oladokun further stated that the convict was remanded in a male Custodial Centre and observed all regulations and rules in place at the centre, especially concerning the dress code.
He added that Bobrisky wears male-designated correctional clothing for convicted inmates.
“Idris is being treated just as every other inmate without any special amenities or privilege accorded. All inmates are entitled to Family and Legal visits. These visits are monitored and regulated by NCoS. The Controller of Corrections, Lagos Command enjoined the general public to disregard the said malicious publication,” the statement added.
Bobrisky was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. According to the commission, Bobrisky was invited due to a video report of spraying new naira notes at the premiere of Eniola Ajao’s movie titled, ‘Ajakaju’, which was held at FilmOne Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos, on March 24, 2024.
He was convicted by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Friday, April 5, 2024, after pleading guilty to the charges of naira abuse levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC filed six counts against him, with the first four counts related to naira abuse, and the last two counts concerning alleged money laundering.
Before reading the charges, the EFCC prosecutor requested the court to dismiss counts five and six. Bobrisky pleaded guilty to the four counts of naira abuse.
