The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has rebutted reports suggesting that controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was relocated from the Ikoyi custodial center to Kirikiri Prison in Lagos State. Bobrisky had reportedly been discreetly moved to Kirikiri Prison over the weekend to serve out his six-month sentence for abusing naira notes.
However, an official from the NCoS clarified on Thursday that Bobrisky was still being held at the Ikoyi prison facility. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that Bobrisky’s offense did not warrant his transfer to a maximum-security prison like Kirikiri. He explained that inmates serving life or death sentences are usually housed in maximum-security facilities, which are designated for capital offenses. Given that Bobrisky’s offense was not of such magnitude, there was no basis for his transfer.
Another source within the NCoS, also speaking anonymously, indicated that while there were discussions about moving some inmates between custodial centers in the state for decongestion purposes, no such action had been taken yet. Such considerations for relocation might arise from factors like overcrowding in certain facilities or requests from inmates for proximity to their families.
The decision to transfer inmates is typically made by prison authorities, based on various factors such as space availability, health considerations, or humanitarian grounds. However, it is rare for individuals with short-term sentences, like Bobrisky’s, to be moved to maximum-security prisons.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the Lagos State Command of the NCoS, Rotimi Oladokun, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
It was previously reported that Bobrisky, upon admission to the custodial center, underwent examination which revealed no physical alterations in terms of gender or genital organs. He has reportedly been abiding by the rules and regulations of the facility.
Bobrisky’s legal troubles began when he was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 3, 2024, following allegations of spraying new naira notes at a movie premiere. He pleaded guilty to charges of naira abuse in court and was subsequently sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. Despite his guilty plea, Bobrisky expressed remorse and pledged to educate his social media followers about the laws regarding naira abuse.
