An Independent Investigative Panel set up by the Federal Government to investigate the incarceration of crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has revealed that he enjoyed privileges far beyond what is allowed under Nigerian correctional laws, including accommodation in a soundproofed cell and access to mobile phones while serving his prison term.
The panel also recommended the prosecution of social media activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, over alleged libel, incitement and data privacy violations.
Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment on April 12, 2024, by the Federal High Court in Lagos after pleading guilty to naira abuse. He was released on August 5, 2024, after completing the sentence.
The controversy resurfaced weeks after his release when VeryDarkMan shared an audio recording purportedly featuring Bobrisky. In the recording, Bobrisky allegedly claimed he paid N15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges and also bribed officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to allow him serve his sentence outside prison. The allegations triggered public outrage and prompted Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji Ojo to establish an investigative panel on September 30, 2024, headed by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Magdalena Ajani.
According to the panel’s report, recently submitted to the minister, Bobrisky was housed in a special single cell at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos. The cell reportedly had a personal toilet and bathroom, a carpet, television, fridge, humidifier and what the report described as “good-looking electric bulbs.”
He was also placed on self feeding, with family members authorised to bring him food. The panel further found that he received visitors as often as he wished and in whatever numbers he desired.
“Okuneye Idris was on self-feeding during his time at the Maximum Custodial Centre. The panel has not yet ascertained if this was officially applied for,” the report stated.
At the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, the privileges allegedly continued. The panel said his cell was decorated with wallpaper and furnished with a large bed, carpet, humidifier and television. A fellow inmate was reportedly assigned to attend to his personal needs.
The report added that Bobrisky received visitors inside the office of the officer in charge of the facility, a privilege not available to regular inmates.
The panel also noted that he was transported between facilities in the operational vehicle of the Lagos State Controller and in the company of the controller.
“Transportation from medium-security to maximum-security Kirikiri with the operational vehicle of the then Controller of Lagos State Command and in the company of the State Controller,” the report said.
One of the panel’s most notable findings was the discovery of a soundproofed door on Bobrisky’s cell, identified as Room A12, at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre.
“There is the need to thoroughly investigate why the door was padded to understand what noise or sound was being shielded from the others,” the panel stated.
It added that it would “be good to know whether this was because of the use of the phone or for any other reasons.”
The panel said it believed Bobrisky had access to mobile phones while in custody despite regulations prohibiting inmates from using personal phones. It noted that investigators found evidence suggesting phone use was common among inmates and expressed concern about the soundproofing of Bobrisky’s cell.
The panel recommended that the Department of State Services investigate whether Bobrisky directly or indirectly bribed officials of the EFCC or NCoS. If proven, it said he should be prosecuted under anti corruption laws.
It also recommended that the NCoS file defamation suits against him for claims that he bypassed the prison system.
For VeryDarkMan, the panel recommended prosecution for libel under Sections 373 to 375 of the Criminal Code.
“Libel: Very Dark Man should be charged under Sections 373-375 of the Criminal Code for disseminating unverified claims that defamed government officials and agencies.
“Incitement: He should also be charged with incitement under the Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits the spread of false information intended to erode public trust in institutions.
“Data Privacy Violations: The DSS should be requested to investigate whether Very Dark Man unlawfully intercepted Bobrisky’s phone conversations. If proven, he may face charges under Section 37 of the Cybercrimes Act for illegal communication interception,” the report stated.
The panel’s report was submitted to the Minister of Interior on June 3, 2026, following an investigation that later expanded into a wider review of correctional facilities across the country. The report examined conditions and practices in 86 custodial centres across 23 states and made recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
