Bobrisky’s Gender Identity Requires Special Prison Arrangements – Bishop Williams

Inmates’ rights advocate and Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, Bishop Kayode Williams, has suggested possible reasons for why convicted cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, was reportedly held outside the designated Custodial Centre where he was supposed to serve his sentence.

This comes amid allegations that he was sentenced to six months in prison but was allegedly accommodated in an apartment outside the custodial facility.

In response to these allegations, the Federal Government has suspended two senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service: Michael Anugwa, the Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos, and Sikiru Adekunle, the DCC at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, also in Kirikiri.

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Speaking on a breakfast show on Arise Television, Williams explained that due to Bobrisky’s gender identity and appearance, special accommodations were necessary for his safety. He noted that there are specific housing arrangements for condemned prisoners and those sentenced to death, which differ from those for convicted inmates.

Williams stated, “With his transgender appearance, he would be at risk if placed in a general cell with male inmates. He was likely provided a special place for protective custody to ensure his safety, as some homosexual inmates might pose a threat.”

Former National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Controller Francis Enobore (retd), supported Williams’ comments, emphasising that Bobrisky’s appearance could lead to potential security issues given the presence of unrepentant homosexuals in the prison population.

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In a media briefing on Friday in Abuja, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo affirmed that the suspended officers’ actions were part of a broader investigation into the matter.

He stressed, “We will not spare anyone, regardless of their position. Investigations are ongoing, and no one will be shielded or protected.”

Tunji-Ojo expressed confidence in the investigative panel, led by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, assuring that the committee, which includes two members from civil society, was carefully selected to carry out its duties effectively.

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