Fresh controversy surrounds the imprisonment of popular crossdresser Idris “Bobrisky” Okuneye as the Baale of Kirikiri Town, Chief Babalola Shabi, accuses Nigerian Correctional Service officials of aiding the socialite’s alleged bribery scheme.
Shabi claims Bobrisky smuggled eight Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards into the Kirikiri custodial facility and used them to funnel N35 million through local Point of Sale (POS) operators, allegedly to secure VIP treatment during his sentence.
In a recent town hall meeting organized by the Lagos State Police Command, Shabi revealed that Bobrisky, contrary to popular belief, never fully served his time behind bars. Instead, he was allegedly housed in a private apartment outside the prison, arranged by complicit officials.
“Before the truth came out, everyone believed he was in Kirikiri serving his time. But the reality is that Bobrisky was living comfortably outside the prison walls, thanks to a criminal collaboration involving some officials,” said Shabi.
The scandal came to light after Shabi invited POS operators to his palace, prompting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate.
“I personally called in the EFCC after I summoned the POS operators to my palace. From there, they were able to trace the transactions and decode the money trail,” Shabi added.
The Baale also disclosed that the property where Bobrisky was allegedly housed has been identified and demolished. Both the EFCC and the Department of State Services (DSS) have since interrogated Shabi over the matter.
This revelation contradicts a report from a National Assembly panel that had previously stated that while Bobrisky received preferential treatment, he remained within the prison.
Meanwhile, controversial social critic Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, claimed Bobrisky had paid N15 million to some EFCC officials to drop a money laundering charge against him.
According to an alleged voice note from Bobrisky, a “godfather” and staff members of the Nigerian Correctional Service were responsible for arranging his stay outside the prison during his six-month sentence for abusing the naira.