The Nigeria Correctional Service has denied reports suggesting that Bobrisky, popular for his controversial persona, has been moved from the Ikoyi custodial centre to Kirikiri Prison in Lagos State. Rumors circulated that he was transferred to Kirikiri last weekend to serve his term.
However, an official from NCoS, speaking to PUNCH Metro on Thursday, clarified that Bobrisky is still held in the Ikoyi prison. The official, who requested anonymity, emphasized that Bobrisky’s offence did not qualify as a capital crime necessitating a transfer to a maximum-security prison.
According to the source, “Bobrisky has not been moved; he is still here in Ikoyi. He was not sentenced to death and didn’t receive a life sentence either. Those with such convictions are usually held in maximum-security facilities. Since Bobrisky did not commit a capital offence, transferring him to Kirikiri makes no sense.”
Another unofficial source mentioned ongoing discussions about relocating some inmates across custodial centres in the state for decongestion purposes.
The NCoS official explained, “When inmate populations are high in a facility, we consider moving them to reduce overcrowding. While plans for potential relocations exist, no actions have been taken yet. Moves may occur based on various factors like health conditions, proximity to family, or for humanitarian reasons.”
The purpose might be “spreading those with short sentences like Bobrisky to free up space for others awaiting trial. However, individuals with short sentences rarely get transferred to maximum-security facilities,” the source disclosed.
Efforts to get a statement from the spokesperson of the Lagos State Command of NCS, Rotimi Oladokun, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
PUNCH Metro detailed Bobrisky’s current situation, sharing that he is housed in a cell with other male inmates and underwent a thorough examination upon admission, confirming no alteration of gender or genital organs.
Bobrisky was apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on April 3, 2024, in connection with a video showing him abusing naira notes at an event. Subsequently, he appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos on April 5, 2024, pleading guilty to the naira abuse charges.
The charges filed against Bobrisky included naira abuse and money laundering allegations, with the court dismissing two out of six counts per the EFCC’s request.
Before sentencing, Bobrisky admitted to the naira abuse charges and sought forgiveness, expressing ignorance about the laws regarding such offenses and promising to educate his social media followers.