Metro
‘Bobrisky not kept in one-bedroom flat’ — NCoS denies rumour
The Lagos command of the Nigerian Correctional Service
(NCoS) says Bobrisky, the self-acclaimed crossdresser, is not being kept in “a
one-bedroom flat” as widely rumoured.
Born Idris Okuneye, the crossdresser was sentenced to six
months in prison on April 12 by Abimbola Awogboro, the Lagos high court judge,
for abusing the naira.
The judge, in her verdict, also ruled that the sentence is
without the option of a fine.
Awogboro held that the jail term commenced on March 24, the
day of her arrest.
Shortly after the sentencing, there were rumours that
Bobrisky was being given “special treatments” at the correctional centre.
The reports claimed the crossdresser is serving terms at a
“one-bedroom flat”.
There were also claims that Bobrisky donated chairs to the
centre.
But reacting to the claims in a statement on Saturday,
Rotimi Oladokun, the Lagos command spokesperson, maintained that Bobrisky is
“allocated a shared cell with other convicted inmates”.
The officer said Bobrisky is not given a “one-bedroom flat
or suite,” adding that the centre does not have such provision for convicted
persons.
“The convicted inmate, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju aka Bobrisky
is currently serving a 6 months jail term for abuse and mutilation of the Naira
note within the custody of the Custodial Centre in the State,” the statement
reads in part.
“The Convict is entitled to the reformative and
rehabilitative platforms either educational and/or vocational training as
provided to all inmates in custody.
“Idris has been allocated a shared cell with other convicted
inmates. There are no en-suite or ‘one-bedroom flat’ style cells in our
Custodial Centre as the cell blocks infrastructure are built as shared
buildings, to accommodate multiple inmates.
“The convict is remanded in a male Custodial Centre and
observes all regulations and rules in place at the centre especially with
regards to dress code. He wears male-designated correctional clothing for
convicted inmates.
“Idris is being treated just as every other inmate without
any special amenities or privilege accorded. Note: All inmates are entitled to
Family and Legal visits. These visits are monitored and regulated by NCoS.
“The Controller of Corrections, Lagos Command enjoined the
general public to disregard the said malicious publication.”
Last week, the crossdresser filed a notice of appeal
challenging the six-month prison sentence.
Bobrisky prayed that the court of appeal set aside the
sentence and replace it with an option of a N50,000 fine on each count.
