The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed an ongoing investigation into allegations surrounding convicted cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky’s accommodation, with findings pending.Abubakar Umar, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) disclosed this in an interview on Sunday in Abuja.

Umar also highlighted the service’s commitment to rehabilitation and safety through its comprehensive inmate admission process. According to reports Bobrisky was convicted for mutilating the naira in April and was sentenced to six months in jail.NAN also reports that Mr Vincent Otse, social media influencer and human rights activist known as Very Dark Man (VDM) published an audio recording which captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he spent his jail term in a private apartment.The audio also captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he paid N15 million to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials to drop charges of money laundering against him.Meanwhile, the Federal Government, On Monday, Sept. 30, inaugurated an independent investigative panel to prove allegations of corruption and gross violations of standard operating procedures within the NCoS.The Minister Of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who inaugurated the committee said that the committee must also look at the recent allegations that some correctional service personnel had provided alternative accomodation for Bobrisky.Umar, however, explained that inmates undergo comprehensive assessments to determine security risks, needs, and responsivity issues when brought to custodial centres.According to him, the admission board evaluates each inmate to ensure safe housing and effective rehabilitation.Umar who, outlined the service’s rigorous admission process for inmates, added that adherence to human rights principles through the approach was also paramount.“Well, upon conviction of every offender from court, either awaiting trial or convicted, once they are brought to our facility, there is a process they go through before and during admission.“Let me say during admission, there is what we call admission board, which comprises the officer in charge, the second in command, the medical officer in charge of the custodial center, the record officer and other relevant officers.“They will go through the information contained therein in the warrants, also, before he will be allocated cell, there is what we call, determination of security.“Determination of security refers to one’s risk assessment. The person risks self harm, safety of other inmate and officers. We also have what we call needs assessment, which is focused on criminogenic need areas.“These are behaviours that may cause, criminal behavioural and other criminological needs.These are the things that we look into before an inmate is allocated cell.“Furthermore, we also look at what we refer to as responsivity issues. There are things that can affect his participation in intervention or make it difficult for him to adjust to custodial life.“So, having worked all this in, then it will be determined which cell such inmates will be allocated to,”he maintained.According to Umar, during Bobrisky’s court appearance and subsequent admission to our facility, he was asked to declare his gender and he identified himself as male, but do not forget that, there are some other features that are on him.“So because of those determination, I mean, what I refer to as classification and also determination of security of the custodial center, he was given an appropriate cell where he was kept.“This is to also ensure that, he is not under threat within our custodial centers and he is kept safe also.“Well, one thing I want to say here is that, the Minister of interior, has set up a committee to investigate the said alleged Bobrisky staying outside our custodial center.“So until the determination of such or the outcome of such investigations, I think we should let it rest.“I am only telling you that once an inmate or people are convicted, or are brought to our custodial centres, we have a standard of treatment to them during admission.“They will be put through checks and these checks guide us on determination of security of such person both to the person and to the custodial center.“But as to whether he was kept in our custodial facilities or he was kept outside the facility, until the determination of the outcome of the investigation on the allegations, I won’t be able to speak further on that,”he maintained.(NAN)

The Action Peoples Party (APP) in Rivers has swept 22 of the 23 Chairmanship positions contested in Saturday’s Local Government Elections.The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli, described the elections as free and fair.Announcing the results, Enebeli said that the winners secured two-third majority votes in their respective wards across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGA) in the state.

“Results for 19 Wards in Etche LGA are still being collated, while the results for the 319 councillorship positions across the 23 LGAs will be announced in due course,” he said. Enebeli further said that elections were conducted in all the 6,866 units in 319 Wards, with 18 of the 19 political parties participating.“The elections, which concluded at 3 p.m., recorded a significant voter turnout, with many defying the rain to cast their ballots,” he said.He commended the political parties and residents for their dedication to ensuring a smooth election process.The RSIEC boss declared those who polled the highest number of votes duly elected Chairmen of their respective LGAs.The list of the successful Chairmen included Vincent Obu (Abua/Odual), Chibudom Ezu (Ahoada-East), Iyekor Ikporo (Ahoada-West), Mrs Tonye Briggs-Oniyide (Akuku-Toru), Lazarus Nteogwuile (Andoni), and Dr Sule Amachree (Asari-Toru).Others were Dame Anengi Barasua (Bonny), Dr Harry Agiriye (Degema), Chief Brain Gokpa (Eleme), David Omereji (Emohua), Monday Dumiye (Gokana), and Isreal Abosi (Ikwerre).Also declared winners were Martins Nwigbo (Khana), Chijioke Ihunwo (Obio/Akpor), and Isaac Umejuru (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Ishmael Oforibika (Ogu/Bolo), Igwe Achese (Okrika), and Promise Reginald (Omuma).The rest were Enyiada Cookey-Gam (Opobo/Nkoro), Gift Okere (Oyibo), Ezebunwo Ichemati (Port Harcourt) and Matthew Dike (Tai).The declaration of the results was witnessed by agents of the 18 political parties, members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and civil society groups, among others. (NAN)

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to repositioning the country and creating wealth for generations.The President said on Saturday that his focus was not on 2027 elections but on how to make Nigeria great for generations. Tinubu gave the assurance at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West Zone Assembly at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

The event was hosted by the Chairman, South-West Governors’ Forum and Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The president was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.He said that he was being pained by the hardship in the country but gave the assurance that Nigeria would get better. Tinubu said that he took some tough decisions for the good of the country. “For every moment in a country, a particular leader is produced for that time. This is the time to produce a leader that is courageous.“The challenges of our country are diverse and immense. “When a man has a strong conviction of what he is doing, he pursues it,” he said, adding that he had love for Nigerians and would continue to listen to them and do what would be good for them.In his address, Sanwo-Olu said: “We have come as one big family to explore more ways to work together. ” It is to share ideas and agree on strategies to take South West to greater heights. “We are blessed with assets and more positioned to move the country forward.” He appealed to the leaders and other members to give adequate support to the Tinubu-led administration.“We should strive to forge ahead.” The keynote speaker and immediate past Governor of Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said that South West APC should be ready to forge a united front.“I am convinced that APC will remain strong to accomplish the business of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President. ” APC remains the only successful party that emerged from the cohesiveness of four different political parties. That is history, we must continue to protect what makes us thick. ” Our congress should be regular, within specific time frame. Our party is the framework in which we thrive as the ruling party,” he said. Others who attended the event are governors of Ekiti, Ondo and Ogun. Leaders at the meeting include ex-interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, ex-Ogun governors, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and Mr Ibikunle Amosun. The event also attracted APC senators, representatives, house of assembly members and other top government officials from South West. (NAN)