Popular crossdresser, Bobrisky, whose real name is Okuneye Olanrewaju, was allegedly granted extraordinary privileges while serving his six-month prison sentence, according to findings by a Federal Government investigative panel.
The Independent Investigative Panel, established by the Ministry of Interior to examine the circumstances surrounding Bobrisky’s incarceration, revealed that he was housed in a specially modified, soundproofed cell and had access to mobile phones while in custody—privileges that contravene Nigerian correctional regulations.
Bobrisky was sentenced on April 12, 2024, for naira abuse and completed his jail term on August 5, 2024.
The investigation was launched after social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, released an audio recording allegedly featuring Bobrisky. In the recording, the crossdresser purportedly claimed he paid ₦15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to avoid money-laundering charges and also bribed officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to serve his sentence outside prison facilities.
The allegations sparked widespread public reaction and prompted Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to establish a fact-finding panel on September 30, chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalena Ajani.
According to the panel’s report, Bobrisky received preferential treatment at both the Medium Security and Maximum Security Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos.
At the Medium Security Custodial Centre, he reportedly occupied a private cell equipped with a personal bathroom and toilet, a television, refrigerator, humidifier, carpeting, and enhanced lighting. He was also placed on a self-feeding arrangement, with family members allowed to provide meals.
The report further stated that Bobrisky enjoyed unrestricted visits from relatives and associates, unlike regular inmates.
His privileges allegedly continued after his transfer to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, where investigators found that his accommodation had been furnished with wallpaper, a large bed, carpeting, a humidifier, and access to a television located in an adjoining decorated room.
The panel also disclosed that another inmate was assigned to cater to Bobrisky’s personal needs, while he frequently received visitors in the office of the officer in charge of the facility.
Investigators additionally noted that Bobrisky was transported between custodial centres using the official vehicle of the Lagos State Command Controller and in the company of senior correctional officials.
One of the most striking discoveries was a padded, soundproofed door attached to Bobrisky’s private cell, identified as Room A12 at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre. The panel said further investigation was necessary to determine why the cell had been modified and whether the alterations were connected to the alleged use of mobile phones.
The report concluded that there was sufficient reason to believe Bobrisky had access to phones while in custody despite existing prohibitions.
Among its recommendations, the panel urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate whether Bobrisky or his associates bribed officials of the EFCC or the Nigerian Correctional Service. It advised that criminal charges be filed if evidence supports the allegations.
The panel also recommended that the Nigerian Correctional Service pursue legal action against Bobrisky over claims that he bypassed the prison system, arguing that such statements damaged the institution’s reputation.
In addition, the report proposed an investigation into VeryDarkMan, suggesting possible prosecution for alleged libel, incitement, and violations of data privacy laws relating to the circulation of the controversial audio recording.
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