The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has initiated a thorough investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). This directive, announced in a statement by the Minister’s media aide, Babatunde Alao, reflects the Minister’s firm stance against any form of misconduct within the service.
Tunji-Ojo expressed his unwavering commitment to eliminating corruption, stating that any form of indiscipline or unprofessional behavior will be met with strict penalties. “The Ministry upholds the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability, and will not compromise on these principles. We will take all necessary measures to ensure those involved in corrupt practices face the full weight of the law,” he emphasized.
The investigation will be led by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, who has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report. The Minister assured the public that the investigation will be conducted thoroughly, with transparency and impartiality, and appropriate disciplinary action will follow for any personnel found guilty.
The probe follows a bribery allegation made by Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, in a viral video shared by blogger Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan. Bobrisky claimed that a high-ranking officer within the NCoS had accepted bribes, and also alleged that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were paid N15 million to dismiss money laundering charges against him.
In response, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the Commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had assembled a team to investigate the allegations. Bobrisky, who had been jailed by a Federal High Court in Lagos in April for naira abuse charges, was released from Kirikiri Correctional Centre on August 5 after spending six months in custody.
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