Prison experts have provided clarification on the circumstances surrounding the separation of the controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, from other inmates at the correctional centre. This separation was explained without reference to a VIP section.
During an interview on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, the Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, Bishop Kayode Williams, elucidated the accommodations provided for inmates based on different categories. He highlighted the need for separate accommodations for condemned prisoners and convicted inmates, emphasizing the varying requirements for their housing.
Regarding Bobrisky’s situation, Williams emphasized the challenges in accommodating an individual with transgender identity, pointing out the potential risks associated with placing such an inmate in the general cell due to safety concerns. Consequently, Bobrisky was provided with a special place for protective custody to mitigate potential threats arising from his appearance and gender identity.
Former National PRO of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Francis Enobore, supported Williams’ remarks, underscoring the service's practice of profiling each inmate for the safety of all inmates and the overall prison environment. Enobore also addressed Bobrisky's conflicting gender presentation and the potential security implications posed by unrepentant homosexual inmates within the prison.
Enobore refuted claims of Bobrisky being given a private section, emphasizing that there is no provision for private accommodations or special treatment within the prison.
The controversy surrounding Bobrisky’s incarceration emerged following allegations made by Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, regarding Bobrisky's purported arrangements to serve his sentence in a private apartment. Subsequently, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board announced the suspension of two deputy controllers in connection to Bobrisky’s alleged bribery claims.