Prison authorities have finally explained why Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was separated from other inmates in the correctional facility, debunking claims of a VIP section.
On Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Friday, Bishop Kayode Williams, Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, spoke on how inmates are classified and housed in the correctional facilities.
He said, “Prison accommodations are categorised based on the inmate’s status. Condemned prisoners, those on death row, are separated from the general prison population. Convicted inmates, who are the permanent residents, have their own designated areas.”
On Bobrisky’s case, Williams said, “Given Bobrisky’s transgender appearance, it will be impractical and unsafe to put him in the general male cell. The authorities had to think of how to manage his situation. Because of his unique appearance and gender expression, he was placed under protective custody to ensure his safety. He looks and moves like a woman, which can make him vulnerable to exploitation by other inmates, especially those with homosexual tendencies.”
Former National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Francis Enobore, agreed with Williams (< href="https://punchng.com/why-bobrisky-was-separated-from-other-inmates-prison-experts/" target="_blank">The Punch). He said the service profiles each inmate, assessing risks to the individual and the larger prison community.
“He may have admitted in court to being a man but he looks like a woman,” Enobore said. “Prisons have some unrepentant homosexuals and without proper care, his presence can be a big security concern.”
But Enobore debunked claims that Bobrisky was given a private or VIP section in the prison. He said, “There is no private or special apartment for Bobrisky or any other inmate in the facility.”
Speculation about Bobrisky’s imprisonment started earlier in the week when Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, released a voice note where Bobrisky allegedly said after his conviction in April for defacing naira notes, his godfather and the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service got him a private apartment for his six months sentence.
The CDIID (Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board) announced on Thursday that two deputy controllers at Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre in Lagos have been suspended over bribery allegations.
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