The Federal Government has launched an independent investigative panel to probe allegations of corruption and violations within the Nigeria Correctional Service.
The panel was inaugurated on Monday in Abuja by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The investigation will particularly address claims that some NCoS officers provided special accommodations for cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, following his conviction.
These allegations have led to the suspension of several officers at Kirikiri Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency. “We want to reform the correctional service. Your core responsibility is to investigate specific allegations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers, especially the immediate one on Bobrisky, which I expect to be out in two weeks,” he stated.
The minister assured that no individual would be exempt from the investigation, stating, “Nobody will be shielded. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded.”
The panel is led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, who pledged the committee’s dedication to the task. “We will do our best to deliver on the mandate given to us,” she said.
Other members of the panel include Omotese Eva, Director of Legal Services; Nasir Usman, Director of Joint Services; Dr. Uju Agomoh, President of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA); and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, a forensic researcher and social impact expert.
The panel is expected to submit its findings within two weeks and recommend reforms to prevent future violations within the correctional system.
