Bobrisky Controversy: Deputy Controller Denies Ouster

Deputy Prisons Controller Denies Removal Claims

This development comes after the Nigerian government suspended four senior officers, including Anugwa, pending...

Michael Anugwa, Nigerian Correctional Service Deputy Controller, denies suspension amid Bobrisky controversy, sparking confusion.

Michael Anugwa, the deputy controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, has denied being suspended from his position amidst the controversy surrounding Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. Anugwa, who oversees the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos, made this clarification while addressing the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions on September 30.

The controversy began when Bobrisky alleged that he was allowed to serve his six-month sentence in a private residence instead of the correctional facility, thanks to a N10 million payment to the controller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service. He also claimed to have paid N15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges.

However, contrary to reports, Anugwa claims he wasn't suspended. This development comes after the Nigerian government suspended four senior officers, including Anugwa, pending investigations into the bribery allegations. The other suspended officers include Sikiru Adekunle, Ogbule Samuel Obinna, and Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu.

Suspended Officers:

Michael Anugwa: Deputy Controller of Corrections, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos

Sikiru Adekunle: Deputy Controller of Corrections, Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos

Ogbule Samuel Obinna: Assistant Superintendent of Corrections, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Afikpo, Ebonyi

Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu: Deputy Controller of Corrections, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja

The Minister of Interior has assured the public that the government will thoroughly investigate and ensure justice is served.

“I am not under suspension. It was a social media report. I was not served a letter,” he said.

Ja'afaru Ahmed, the secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), announced on September 26 that Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle, both deputy controllers of corrections at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kirikiri, Lagos, have been suspended from their positions. This decision comes amidst allegations of misconduct and bribery involving Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

The suspension is part of an ongoing investigation into the allegations, which include claims that Bobrisky paid N10 million to serve his six-month prison sentence in a private apartment rather than in a correctional facility. Two other officers, Ogbule Samuel Obinna and Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, were also suspended for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate outside the facility and accepting bribes on behalf of an inmate, respectively.

 

The suspension is part of an ongoing investigation into claims that Bobrisky paid N10 million to serve his six-month prison sentence in a private apartment rather than in a correctional facility.

“I, hereby, state that Bobrisky has served his tenure. It is actually true,” he said.

“Second issue on suspension, the officers concerned were duly suspended by the board to pave way for investigation.”

It's puzzling that Michael Anugwa, reportedly suspended from his position, appeared before the committee alongside Haliru Nababa, the controller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service, while wearing his official uniform. This development raises questions about the suspension's validity or if it was merely an “audio suspension” as some have speculated. Anugwa himself has denied being suspended, claiming it was only a social media suspension. The situation is shrouded in uncertainty, and clarity is needed to understand the circumstances surrounding Anugwa's appearance before the committee.