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Bobrisky to face fresh criminal charges as panel indicts four prison officers

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Controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, may face fresh criminal charges over claims that he served his jail term in a private apartment and bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to drop money laundering charges against him.

Ekwutosblog on Sunday exclusively gathered that a panel set up to investigate the claims recommended that he should face defamation and criminal charges.

Bobrisky was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment on April 12 for abusing the naira. He was released from prison on August 5.

A few weeks after his release, controversial social critic, Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, shared a voice note of a conversation purportedly between Bobrisky and another person, where the crossdresser allegedly stated that he bribed EFCC officers with N15m to drop money laundering charges against him. He also claimed to have bribed officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment.

 

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, subsequently constituted an investigation panel, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalena Ajani, on September 30, to probe the claims.

The panel, while presenting its report, said there was no evidence that Bobrisky slept outside the Kirikiri Custodial Centre during his six-month sentence.

Details of the report, exclusively obtained by Ekwutosblog on Friday, stated that Bobrisky tarnished the image of the correctional service with false claims.

 

The panel also asked the Department of State Services to investigate whether, directly or through a proxy, he bribed the EFCC or the correctional service.

If the allegations of bribery by Bobrisky are substantiated, the panel said he should be charged with corrupt practices.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service should file defamation suits against Bobrisky under sections 373-375 of the Criminal Code Act for his false claims about bypassing the prison system, tarnishing the institution’s reputation.

“The DSS should be requested to investigate whether Bobrisky, directly or through a proxy, bribed EFCC or NCoS officials. If substantiated, Bobrisky should face charges under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act for bribing public officials,” the report partly read.

The panel also indicted four correctional officers who were recommended for disciplinary action as outlined in the NCoS’s condition of service, civil service, and applicable laws.

One of those recommended for sanctions is a former Controller of Corrections, Ben Rabbi-Freeman.

He was accused of “effecting the transfer of Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju without proper documentation of Form 5 and Form 5A from the Medium-Security Custody Centre to the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre on April 22, 2024, after over four months of the transfer date, and after the inmate had ended his imprisonment term; backdating the transfer documentation in relation to 1a and 1b above.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, subsequently constituted an investigation panel, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalena Ajani, on September 30, to probe the claims.

The panel, while presenting its report, said there was no evidence that Bobrisky slept outside the Kirikiri Custodial Centre during his six-month sentence.

Details of the report, exclusively obtained by Sunday PUNCH on Friday, stated that Bobrisky tarnished the image of the correctional service with false claims.

The panel also asked the Department of State Services to investigate whether, directly or through a proxy, he bribed the EFCC or the correctional service.

If the allegations of bribery by Bobrisky are substantiated, the panel said he should be charged with corrupt practices.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service should file defamation suits against Bobrisky under sections 373-375 of the Criminal Code Act for his false claims about bypassing the prison system, tarnishing the institution’s reputation.

“The DSS should be requested to investigate whether Bobrisky, directly or through a proxy, bribed EFCC or NCoS officials. If substantiated, Bobrisky should face charges under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act for bribing public officials,” the report partly read.

The panel also indicted four correctional officers who were recommended for disciplinary action as outlined in the NCoS’s condition of service, civil service, and applicable laws.

One of those recommended for sanctions is a former Controller of Corrections, Ben Rabbi-Freeman.

He was accused of “effecting the transfer of Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju without proper documentation of Form 5 and Form 5A from the Medium-Security Custody Centre to the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre on April 22, 2024, after over four months of the transfer date, and after the inmate had ended his imprisonment term; backdating the transfer documentation in relation to 1a and 1b above.

“Causing the in-charge Ikoyi Custodial Centre, in-charge Medium-Security Custodial Centre, and in-charge Maximum-Security Custodial Centre to sign backdated transfer documents in relation to Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju.”

In addition, the Deputy Controller of Corrections who was in charge of the Kirikiri Medium Security, Micheal Anugwa, who claimed during a parliamentary inquiry that he had not been suspended despite an official order from the Minister of Interior, was recommended for disciplinary action.

He was indicted for receiving Bobrisky into the Medium Security Custodial Centre without the relevant documentation on April 12, 2024, and without the necessary transfer documentation.

“DCC Balogun Sikiru (retd) — formerly in-charge of Maximum Security Custodial Centre for receiving Bobrisky into the Maximum Security Custodial Centre without the relevant documentation on April 22, 2024, and without the necessary transfer documentation, and DCC Sikiru Kamoru Adekunle who was in charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre for backdating the transfer documentation in relation to receiving of Okuneye Idris into the Maximum Security Custodial Centre on April 22, 2024, which was a period he was yet to resume as the in-charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre.”

The panel further recommended an audit of all inmates and detainees in all custodial centres of the NCoS, their warrants, and other records. It asked that a mechanism be set up to do this and sustain it as an effective oversight weekly.

It demanded “decommercialisation of all welfare and support services to inmates with immediate effect and ensuring that adequate funding and oversight are put in place to ensure the continuation of these. This will also include building sustainable partnerships with civil society organisations (example, with relevant NGOs and professional associations) on some or all of these.”

“Facilitate the effective implementation of non-custodial measures across the entire country to help reduce the number of people in custodial centres by utilising imprisonment only as a last resort,” the report added.

Special facilities in custodial centres

A senior management officer of the NCoS told Ekwutosblog that what people called VIP treatment for certain prisoners was a special facility that had existed for years.

According to the high-ranking officer, custodial centres have different facilities and prisoners’ conditions (health, age, sex) determine which facility they stay in to serve their jail term.

The officer said, “There are different facilities in the custodial centres across the country, and it is not out of place to treat some of the prisoners according to their health conditions, sex, age, and category of the sentence. Importantly, the prison authority also considers human rights and the treatment of the prisoners.

“The case of Bobrisky is an eye-opener for us. The NCoS authority confirmed that he is a woman from the middle upward, while he is a man from the middle downward. We had never had such a person in our custody, and there is no facility for such a situation. He had to be placed in a separate cell so that he wouldn’t be abused. That facility is what he ignorantly called a private apartment.

“Whether VIP or not, the condition of a prisoner will determine the facility he/she is going to stay in. We can’t put a prisoner who has high blood pressure in a cell without enough ventilation.”

Activists make case for crossdressers

Okuneye’s case has sparked debate on human rights and recognition of crossdressers, transgenders, and transsexual individuals in the country’s laws, institutions, and facilities.

Some activists, who spoke with Ekwutosblog, argued that the government and its institutions should be aware of the presence of these individuals and make provisions for them.

The activists believe that sexual orientation is part of the human rights to be respected by the Nigerian government.

An activist, Femi Adeyeye, said the Kirikiri Custodial Centre where Bobrisky served his jail term was not befitting of his sexual orientation.

Adeyeye urged the Federal Government to respect the rights of individuals regardless of their sexual orientation. He also called on the government to provide special facilities for transgender inmates.

“A special cell for transgender persons is a welcome development; it’s something the government should look into,” he stated.

Another activist, Michael Adaramoye, noted that the Nigerian society had not come to terms with the reality of a growing transgender population.

 

However, Adaramoye said, “While we must recognise the right of individuals to sexual freedom, as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others, we must also be sensitive to the concerns of other members of society.

He advocated the provision of facilities to accommodate transgender individuals in prisons and cells.

“It is important to note that our correctional centres are organised in a way that dehumanises inmates. Under such vicious conditions, it is difficult for any positive character reform to occur. The prison system in Nigeria is in dire need of deep reform and overhaul,” the activist added.

Also, human rights lawyer, Toyin Taiwo-Ojo, said the Federal Government’s position on homosexuality was ambiguous.

“The Nigerian government must re-evaluate Bobrisky’s detention and consider the long-term implications of their decisions,” she concluded.

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VP Shettima Leaves For Abidjan, To Attend SIREXE 2024 Opening Ceremony

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VP Shettima Leaves For Abidjan, To Attend SIREXE 2024 Opening Ceremony
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Vice President Kashim Shettima, Wednesday morning, departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to attend the opening ceremony of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE) 2024 conference.

The SIREXE conference is an international event organised by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire that focuses on “Policies and Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Extractive and Energy Industries”.

The conference will be held from November 27 to December 2, 2024, at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre.

At the invitation of Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, VP Shettima will utilize the event to share Nigeria’s experience in the hydrocarbon exploration and production sectors.

The Vice President is expected to return to Abuja later today.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
27th November 2024

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Tinubu, Wife Jet Out To France

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Tinubu, Wife Jet Out To France
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#StateofImo has gathered that President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday depart Abuja to France for a three-day state visit.

The visit is “in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement Tuesday.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu honours invitation for a state visit to France.’

He said, “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.”

Tinubu and his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.

During the visit, Tinubu and Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

Onanuga said both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication.

They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.

Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Tinubu and his wife will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before their departure.

“Top government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip,” said the Presidency.

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Stop Interest Hiking, Experts Tell CBN As Apex Bank Raises Rate Again

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Stop Interest Hiking, Experts Tell CBN As Apex Bank Raises Rate Again
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By Chris UGWU, Kasarahchi ANIAGOLU Nov 27 2024

Some financial experts have said that the CBN’s 25 basis points rate hike signals a potential pause in interest rate increases starting next year, emphasizing the need for relief for small businesses facing high financing costs.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had raised its interest rate by 25 basis points, increasing it from 27.25 per cent to 27.50 per cent, in response to the country’s rising inflation.

This decision was announced by CBN Governor Mr. Yemi Cardoso, who also chairs the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), following their meeting in Abuja.

The MPC unanimously agreed to the hike as part of ongoing efforts to address inflationary pressures in the economy.

The analysts in an exclusive interview with THE WHISTLER noted that despite the CBN’s tightening measures, inflation remains high, with benefits mainly seen in exchange rate stability due to foreign portfolio inflows.

They agreed that the rate hike was expected due to rising inflation, warning that it will increase business financing costs, which could be passed to consumers and further strain household budgets.

Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s first Professor of Capital Market, Uche Uwaleke indicated that the move might signal an imminent pause in the CBN’s aggressive monetary tightening cycle.

Uwaleke noted that the marginal increase aligns with analysts’ expectations, suggesting a potential shift in the CBN’s strategy.

“The marginal rate increase is a signal that the CBN may completely pause or apply the brake on interest rate hikes starting from the first quarter of next year,” he explained.

The professor emphasized the necessity of a pause, citing the rising cost of funds and its adverse impact on credit access, particularly for small businesses. “This needs to happen so that small businesses can breathe,” he remarked.

Despite the CBN’s sustained tightening measures, headline inflation remains stubbornly high, reversing recent gains and rising further.

Uwaleke observed that the benefits of the rate hikes have been most apparent in the foreign exchange market, where increased foreign portfolio inflows have contributed to exchange rate stability in the official window.

However, the broader economic picture remains concerning. The Q3 2024 GDP report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed weak performance in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors, a development Uwaleke attributed to rising interest and exchange rates.

He stressed the need for coordinated efforts between monetary and fiscal authorities to navigate the country’s macroeconomic challenges effectively.

“The current macro-economic challenges make it imperative for a proper synergy between monetary and fiscal policies,” he advised.

Managing Director of Arthur Steven Asset Management Limited and former President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe also shared his views on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) decision to raise the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 25 basis points, moving it from 27.25 per cent to 27.50 per cent.

Amolegbe noted that the rate hike was widely anticipated, particularly given the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report showing inflation had increased by over 100 basis points in the previous month.

“The truth is that this was somewhat expected,” Amolegbe stated, acknowledging that many analysts had predicted this adjustment, with some even anticipating a higher increase due to ongoing price instability across various sectors of the economy.

He further pointed out that the government’s fiscal and structural measures, aimed at curbing inflation, have yet to yield immediate results.

“These measures typically take time to have the desired impact,” he said, adding that as a result, monetary policy has remained the primary tool available to the CBN in its efforts to stabilize the economy.

“This leaves us with monetary policy as the only effective tool to prevent the economy from spiraling out of control,” he explained.

However, Amolegbe also warned of the potential negative consequences of the rate hike on businesses and consumers.

“The likely impact of this move will be a further increase in financing costs for businesses,” he stated.

These higher costs are expected to be passed on to consumers, potentially raising prices on goods and services and putting additional strain on household budgets.

Amolegbe concluded by emphasizing the delicate balance the CBN faces in managing inflation and ensuring that the economy does not overheat, while acknowledging the challenges that persist in the broader economic landscape.

Managing Director of Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adonri also weighed in on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s continued use of interest rate hikes as a tool to manage inflation, noting that while effective in the short term, it remains insufficient in addressing the underlying economic issues.

In an exclusive interview, Adonri explained that interest rate adjustments are a critical component of monetary policy designed to curb inflation until more sustainable fiscal measures can be implemented to address the structural causes of economic imbalance.

“Interest rates are a potent tool for managing inflation in the short term,” Adonri stated.

“However, their effectiveness is often limited when coupled with expansionary fiscal policies,” he added.

He further emphasized that the ongoing fiscal expansion, alongside factors such as insecurity and currency depreciation, continues to fuel inflation.

These persistent challenges leave the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) with few options but to maintain its contractionary monetary stance.

“As long as fiscal policies remain expansionary and the factors driving inflation persist, the MPC will have no choice but to continue raising interest rates,” he explained.

Adonri also cautioned that allowing inflation to spiral out of control would have devastating consequences for both consumers and producers. “The impact of unchecked inflation would be far more harmful than the effects of higher interest rates,” he warned, underlining the importance of the MPC’s approach in preventing further economic instability.

Despite the negative effects on certain sectors of the economy, Adonri acknowledged that the interest rate hikes provide a silver lining for investors in debt instruments.

“The bonanza for investors in debt assets will continue as the rates rise,” he noted, as higher interest rates typically make fixed-income investments more attractive.

In conclusion, while the CBN’s monetary policy actions are necessary to address the current inflationary pressures, Adonri stressed the need for a coordinated effort between monetary and fiscal policies to tackle the structural issues contributing to inflation and ensure sustainable economic growth in the long term.

Meanwhile, Cardoso called for critical synergy between the monetary and fiscal sectors of the economy to achieve price stability and curtail inflationary pressures on food and other commodities.

According to Cardoso, food prices remain a key driver of inflation, compounded by rising energy costs that affect production factors.

“The recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has also impacted the cost of production and distribution of food items and manufactured goods.

“The Committee was optimistic that the full deregulation of the downstream sub-sector of the petroleum industry would eliminate scarcity and stabilize price levels in the short to medium term.

“Members, thus, reiterated the need to deepen collaboration between the monetary and fiscal authorities to ensure the achievement of our synchronized objectives of price stability and sustainable growth.”

Cardoso highlighted members’ concerns over persistent exchange rate pressures, driven by continued high demand in the market.

Cardoso expressed satisfaction with the resilience and stability of the banking sector despite significant external and internal challenges.

He outlined key financial soundness indicators, stating that the “Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio, and Liquidity Ratio (LR), among others, remain strong.”

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