The Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has issued a statement regarding the status of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, within its facility.
Bobrisky is presently serving a six-month prison term for the abuse of naira notes.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos handed down the sentence on Friday, April 12, 2024, emphasizing that the ruling aimed to deter others from mistreating and defacing the naira.
However, a different source claimed that Bobrisky resided in a newly constructed VIP apartment within the Kirikiri correctional center.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) issued a statement through its spokesperson, Rotimi Oladokun, which was obtained by Punch Online on Saturday, refuting the allegations.
Oladokun clarified that Bobrisky shared a cell with other convicted inmates, stating that there were no individual en-suite cells or cells resembling ‘one-bedroom flats’ in the Custodial Centre.
He further explained that the cell block infrastructure in the facility was constructed as shared buildings to house multiple inmates.
The statement stated, “The Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has taken notice of certain misleading and malicious online publications.
“While reserving the right to pursue legal action against the defamatory content, we offer clarifications on the aforementioned issues.
“The convicted individual, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, is presently serving a six-month prison term for the abuse and mutilation of the Naira note within the confines of the Custodial Centre in the State.
“As with all inmates under our care, the convict is afforded access to rehabilitative and educational programs, including vocational training.
“Idris has been assigned to a communal cell alongside other convicted inmates. Our Custodial Centre does not feature individual en-suite cells or units resembling ‘one-bedroom flats.’ The infrastructure is designed as shared buildings to accommodate multiple inmates.”
Oladokun also clarified that the convict was housed in a male Custodial Centre, adhering to all established regulations and protocols, including those concerning attire.
Additionally, he noted that Bobrisky is provided with correctional clothing designated for male convicted inmates.
“The statement further emphasized that Idris is treated on par with other inmates, receiving no special privileges or amenities. All inmates, including Idris, have access to family and legal visits, which are closely monitored by the NCoS. The Controller of Corrections, Lagos Command, urged the public to disregard the unfounded publication,” the statement concluded.
A source within the correctional facility, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, affirmed that Bobrisky received equal treatment like other inmates. The source noted that Bobrisky underwent a thorough examination upon admission, revealing no evidence of gender realignment or altered genital organs.
Bobrisky’s legal troubles began when he was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on April 3, 2024. The arrest followed a video report showing him spraying new naira notes at the premiere of Eniola Ajao’s movie titled ‘Ajakaju’ on March 24, 2024, at FilmOne Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos.
He was subsequently convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos on April 5, 2024, after pleading guilty to charges of naira abuse filed against him by the EFCC. The charges included four counts related to naira abuse and two counts of alleged money laundering, with the prosecution dropping the last two counts.
Prior to his conviction, Bobrisky pleaded for leniency, claiming ignorance of the laws concerning naira abuse and expressing a commitment to educate his social media followers about it.
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