The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has officially confirmed the suspension of several senior officers, including Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa, over allegations of ethical violations related to the custody of crossdresser Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre in Lagos.
This affirmation comes after DCC Anugwa contested claims of his suspension during a parliamentary inquiry held in Abuja on Monday.
Anugwa insisted he had not been suspended, contradicting the directive from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
In response, NCoS spokesperson ACC Abubakar Umar released a statement on Monday night clarifying the situation.
According to Umar, the suspension, which was implemented on September 26, 2024, had been properly communicated to the officers involved.
He said, “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a trending video of one of its senior officers purporting that the Service has not served him a letter of suspension as earlier directed by the Civil Defence, Correctional Fire, and Immigration Services Board CDCFIB.
“The Service views this 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.
“Recall 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 suspension which took effect from the 26th of September, 2024, was conveyed to the various officers accordingly.
“The public is advised to remain resolute as the Service would ensure that thorough investigation would be carried out and any person or group of persons found culpable would be punished in line with the Public Service Rules as well as other extant laws.”