The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the suspension of senior officers linked to the bribery allegations involving popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky.
The officers, including DCC Michael Anugwa, were suspended following accusations of corruption during Bobrisky’s time at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri, Lagos.
In spite of appearing before the House of Representatives investigation panel on Monday, September 30, Anugwa denied receiving any suspension letter, prompting further scrutiny.
However, in a statement released by NCoS Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, the service emphasized that the suspension letters had been duly issued, labeling Anugwa’s denial as “gross misconduct.”
The suspension, effective from September 26, 2024, impacted four officers, including those in charge of maximum and medium-security centers across Lagos, Abuja, and Ebonyi.
The service assured the public of a thorough investigation, vowing that any officer found guilty of misconduct would be appropriately sanctioned.
The statement read, “For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Correctional Service suspended not only the said officer in the video but three other officers following their alleged roles in various misconducts.
Any person or group of persons found culpable would be punished in line with the Public Service Rules as well as other extant laws.”
The NCoS assured that all necessary measures would be taken to restore accountability within the system, which has long been plagued by allegations of corruption.