NCoS Refutes Claims of Transferring Bobrisky to Kirikiri

In recent days, speculation has swirled regarding the purported transfer of Idris Okuneye, famously known as Bobrisky, from the Ikoyi custodial center to the Kirikiri maximum prison in Lagos State. However, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has swiftly moved to quash these rumors, asserting that Bobrisky remains detained at the Ikoyi facility.

Bobrisky, who garnered attention for his six-month prison sentence relating to the misuse of naira notes, was rumored to have been quietly relocated to Kirikiri Prison over the weekend to serve out the remainder of his term. Yet, an unnamed official from the NCoS has refuted these claims, shedding light on the rationale behind Bobrisky’s continued detainment at the Ikoyi prison.

Speaking on condition of anonymity due to protocol, the official clarified that Bobrisky’s offense does not meet the criteria for transfer to a maximum-security facility like Kirikiri, typically reserved for inmates convicted of capital crimes or serving life sentences. “Bobrisky has not been moved, he is still here in Ikoyi. He was not sentenced to death and didn’t get a life sentence either. Those people sentenced to death and given life sentences are mostly kept in the maximum prison,” the source emphasized.

Furthermore, another anonymous official highlighted that discussions regarding the potential transfer of inmates between custodial centers in the state are underway, primarily driven by concerns over facility congestion. However, such deliberations remain in the preliminary stages, with no definitive decisions made thus far.

The reasons behind potential transfers encompass various factors, including overcrowding, health considerations, proximity to family, or humanitarian grounds. While the leadership may opt to redistribute inmates with shorter sentences to alleviate congestion, individuals like Bobrisky, with sentences under one year, are unlikely candidates for relocation to maximum-security facilities.

This clarification from the NCoS underscores the importance of accurate information dissemination amidst heightened public interest in high-profile cases. By dispelling rumors and providing insights into the decision-making process regarding inmate transfers, the NCoS reaffirms its commitment to transparency and adherence to established protocols within the correctional system.

As discussions regarding the management of custodial populations continue, the focus remains on balancing operational efficiency with humanitarian considerations, ensuring that the rights and well-being of all inmates are upheld.

In essence, the NCoS’s swift response serves as a testament to its dedication to maintaining public trust and fostering clarity in matters concerning the correctional system, ultimately promoting accountability and integrity in the administration of justice.