The Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS has confirmed that it suspended senior officers allegedly linked to the Bobrisky bribery allegation scandal.
Recall that the Civil Defence, Correctional Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) had last week announced the suspension of four of its officers linked to various corruption cases. Amongst the officers suspended include DCC Michael Anugwa.
However, during the House of Representatives Investigation panel on Monday, September 30, Anugwa appeared on behalf of the correctional service. When interrogated, Anugwa who is in charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos state, where Idris Okuneye, a popular crossdresser better known as Bobrisky, served his time, told the lawmakers that the Service had not served him a letter of suspension as earlier directed by the Civil Defence, Correctional Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).
However, a statement signed by Assistant Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer of the service, Umar Abubakar, and released on Monday night, said the service viewed the denial as an act of gross misconduct aimed at misleading the public on the issue at hand.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Correctional Service suspended not only the said officer in the video, but three other officers following their alleged roles in various misconducts so as to allow for further investigation.
The suspended officers are the officer-in-charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Sikiru Adekunle; the officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa; the officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, FCT command, DCC Kevin Ikechukwu Iloafonsi; and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC II) Ogbule Samuel Obinna of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abakiliki, Ebonyi state,” the statement added.
The statement further revealed that two letters were issued by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services board (CDCFIB) with reference nos: CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/16 and CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/17 both dated 26th September, 2024, suspending the aforementioned officers.
The statement also disclosed that the suspension of the officers took effect from the 26th of September, 2024, which was conveyed to the affected officers.
The statement further advised the public to remain resolute as the Service would ensure that thorough investigation would be carried out.
“Any person or group of persons found culpable would be punished in line with the Public Service Rules as well as other extant laws.”
