New revelations have surfaced regarding the six-month imprisonment of popular crossdresser and social media influencer, Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, who served time after being convicted for violating Nigeria’s currency laws by spraying naira notes at an event.
Bobrisky was initially taken to the Ikoyi Custodial Centre following his sentencing on April 12, 2024. However, within a few days, authorities discreetly transferred him to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri due to the media frenzy and public attention his presence attracted.
A highly placed source disclosed that the decision to move Bobrisky was made by Ben-Rabbi Freedman, the controller of the Ikoyi Custodial Centre, in an effort to manage the situation.
“He was briefly held in Ikoyi, but due to the growing buzz around him, it was decided he should be relocated to the Kirikiri facility,” the source confirmed.
A second insider provided additional information about Bobrisky’s movements, revealing that after spending a short period at the Medium Security facility, he was moved once again to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Saturday PUNCH reported.
VIP Treatment and Special Arrangements
Bobrisky’s stay at the Kirikiri prisons wasn’t without its share of speculation and controversy. Sources allege that Bobrisky may have been placed in a “special cell” – a provision made for high-profile inmates or those at risk within the general prison population.
According to insiders, such cells are reserved for “Very Important Persons” or well-behaved inmates. They are often given more privacy, away from the larger inmate population, and sometimes receive special privileges.
“The cells are like back cells or single cells, originally meant for well-behaved inmates as per prison guidelines. Some VIP inmates get placed here, and they live with certain comforts depending on what they negotiate,” a source explained.
When questioned about the cost of securing such special accommodations, another source indicated that the fees were determined by the facility’s officers in charge, with significant sums often exchanged.
“Certain benefits come with holding high-profile inmates, and negotiations begin as early as their court proceedings,” the source added, hinting at the lucrative nature of housing such inmates.
Despite these claims, the Nigerian Correctional Service’s spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, denied any preferential treatment for VIP convicts. “We are unaware of such practices. All inmates are treated equally under the law, and there is no special treatment for anyone,” he asserted, while also noting that investigations would be conducted into the allegations.
Efforts to reach Bobrisky for comment have so far been unsuccessful, with no responses to calls or messages sent to his social media accounts and phone number.
