The Federal Government has set up an independent investigative panel to look into claims of corruption and serious breaches of standard operating procedures within the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee on Monday in Abuja and emphasized that it should also investigate recent allegations that some correctional service personnel provided alternative housing for convicted cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky.
According to the Minister, the panel is essential for reforming the service to ensure transparency and accountability. He noted that several officers overseeing the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State, had already been suspended due to allegations of misconduct related to Bobrisky.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to investigate the issues at hand, using evidence-based methods that would lead to effective solutions. “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 completed in two weeks,” he stated.
The committee, led by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, has been instructed to uphold justice impartially. The Minister emphasized, “We will rely on your legal guidance to ensure that our actions align with the law. We expect you to provide a way forward and present facts to the public. Let me be clear: nobody will be shielded, no matter how highly placed.”
In addition to proposing medium and long-term solutions to prevent future issues, the Minister charged the committee with identifying systemic problems contributing to violations within the service and recommending concrete actions for immediate correction and policy reform.
Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary and Chairperson of the Investigation Panel, assured that the committee would do its utmost to fulfill its mandate.
The panel also includes Omotese Eva (Mrs.), Director of Legal Affairs; Nasir Usman, Director of Joint Services; Dr. Uju Agomoh, President of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and former Board Member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA); and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, a Human Rights Radio consultant with over 27 years of experience in corporate leadership.
