The Federal Government has mandated “an unconditional and comprehensive investigation” into allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). This announcement was made by Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Babatunde Alao.
The call for investigation follows social activist Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, sharing a leaked audio clip on Facebook. The clip allegedly features cross-dresser Idris Okuneye (aka Bobrisky) discussing how his godfather ensured he avoided spending time in the Custodial Centre after receiving a six-month prison sentence for mutilating the Nigerian currency, the Naira. The audio also claims that officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sought a bribe of N15 million to drop money laundering charges against him.
In the statement, Alao emphasized the minister’s strong condemnation of the alleged misconduct, stating that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, or corruption would be met with zero tolerance and serious consequences within the paramilitary services under the Ministry’s jurisdiction.
“The Ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law,” said Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The Minister has established a special investigative team led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, to examine these allegations and provide a comprehensive report. The Minister reassured the public that the investigation would be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, with appropriate disciplinary actions taken against any personnel found guilty.
