‘Bobrisky not kept in one-bedroom flat’ — NCoS denies rumour

The Lagos command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says Bobrisky, the self-acclaimed crossdresser, is not being kept in “a one-bedroom flat” as widely rumoured. 

Born Idris Okuneye, the crossdresser was sentenced to six months in prison on April 12 by Abimbola Awogboro, the Lagos high court judge, for abusing the naira.

The judge, in her verdict, also ruled that the sentence is without the option of a fine.

Awogboro held that the jail term commenced on March 24, the day of her arrest.

Shortly after the sentencing, there were rumours that Bobrisky was being given “special treatments” at the correctional centre.

The reports claimed the crossdresser is serving terms at a “one-bedroom flat”.

There were also claims that Bobrisky donated chairs to the centre.

But reacting to the claims in a statement on Saturday, Rotimi Oladokun, the Lagos command spokesperson, maintained that Bobrisky is “allocated a shared cell with other convicted inmates”.

The officer said Bobrisky is not given a “one-bedroom flat or suite,” adding that the centre does not have such provision for convicted persons.

“The convicted inmate, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju aka Bobrisky is currently serving a 6 months jail term for abuse and mutilation of the Naira note within the custody of the Custodial Centre in the State,” the statement reads in part.

“The Convict is entitled to the reformative and rehabilitative platforms either educational and/or vocational training as provided to all inmates in custody.

“Idris has been allocated a shared cell with other convicted inmates. There are no en-suite or ‘one-bedroom flat’ style cells in our Custodial Centre as the cell blocks infrastructure are built as shared buildings, to accommodate multiple inmates.

“The convict is remanded in a male Custodial Centre and observes all regulations and rules in place at the centre especially with regards to dress code. He wears male-designated correctional clothing for convicted inmates.

“Idris is being treated just as every other inmate without any special amenities or privilege accorded. Note: All inmates are entitled to Family and Legal visits. These visits are monitored and regulated by NCoS.

“The Controller of Corrections, Lagos Command enjoined the general public to disregard the said malicious publication.”

Last week, the crossdresser filed a notice of appeal challenging the six-month prison sentence.

Bobrisky prayed that the court of appeal set aside the sentence and replace it with an option of a N50,000 fine on each count.