In a significant development, the Federal Government has taken decisive action by suspending several senior officers from the Nigerian Correctional Service following allegations of bribery involving controversial social media personality, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

This move comes after an audio leak revealed that Bobrisky, who had been sentenced to six months imprisonment, was allegedly provided accommodation outside the Kirikiri Custodial Centre in Lagos, sparking outrage across social media platforms.

Ja’afaru Ahmed, Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), confirmed the suspensions in an official statement released on Thursday in Abuja. 

He noted that the officers involved would face a thorough investigation to determine their roles in the alleged misconduct.

The suspended officers include Michael Anugwa, the Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, and Sikiru Adekunle, the DCC of the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre, both in Kirikiri, Lagos. 

Additionally, ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, has been suspended for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the correctional facility. 

In a separate but related case, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, DCC of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, was also suspended for allegedly accepting bribes on behalf of an inmate.

The suspension follows an earlier directive by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who ordered an investigation into the scandal after the leaked audio went viral. 

Ja'afaru Ahmed assured the public that the findings from the investigation would be made available once concluded, stressing the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the correctional system.

This incident has ignited public discourse on the issue of corruption within Nigeria’s prison system, with many calling for stricter oversight and reforms to prevent future occurrences. 

The suspension of these officers serves as a stern reminder that misconduct will not be tolerated, especially when it undermines the credibility of the justice system.