Why Bobrisky was granted VIP status in prison, expert clarifies

Bishop Kayode Williams, the Director General of Prison Rehabilitation Mission, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has on Friday, September 27, 2024, clarified why controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was treated differently from other inmates while serving jail terms.

Bishop Williams made the clarification while speaking during an interview on The Morning Show, an Arise News TV talk show programme, on Friday.

It could be recalled that Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reported that Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos had sentenced Bobrisky, a transgender, to six months in jail.

The judgement was handed on April 12, 2024.

Trouble, meanwhile, busted when a social media influencer, Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, revealed that Bobrisky actually did not serve the time in prison.

VeryDarkMan disclosed that (s)he actually served the time in a cozy, rented apartment away from prison walls.

Consequently, the Nigerian government suspended key officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), following claims raised by Bobrisky about the treatment meted out to (s)him.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary of Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Board, Mr. Ja’afaru Ahmed.

The statement reads:

“Following the viral video trending on social media on alleged infractions by Officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service relating to Mr. Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has suspended forthwith the following Senior Officers of the Service:

“Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State; and

“Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), In-Charge of Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kiri-kiri, Lagos State.”

Reacting to the hullabaloo surrounding the incarceration and release of Bobrisky from prison, Bishop Williams clarified why the transgender was separated from other inmates at the correctional centre.

Williams explained that such accommodations were provided for inmates based on different categories.

He said: “There are accommodations for condemned prisoners, those sentenced to death, who must not mingle with other inmates.

“The second accommodation is convicted inmates, who are the owners of the prison.”

Speaking about Bobrisky, Williams stressed:

“The accommodation that is provided for males, are they going to bring Idris with his transgender body /look to go and sleep in the general cell?

“The first thing they do is decide how to treat someone like that.

“They provided him a special place for protective custody because, with his appearance, he would be in danger.

“He looks like a woman, moves like a woman, and there are homosexual inmates who would be willing to take things to extreme lengths.”

Former NCS National Public Relation Officer (PRO), Francis Enobore, corroborated Williams’ summation.

He explained that the service profiles each inmate for both their safety and the general prison environment.

“Yes, he confessed in court that he is a man but he came in bodily showing that he is a woman. Some of the people behind bars are unrepentant homosexuals. There is no doubt that if care is not taken, we will have a very serious security situation on our hands,” he said.

However, Enobore refuted claims of Bobrisky being given a private section, stating, “There’s no such thing as a private apartment or anything special in the prison.”

About Bobrisky

Bobrisky, whose real name is Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, is a Nigerian social media personality, influencer, and entrepreneur.

He is known for his bold and flamboyant lifestyle, as well as his controversial statements and actions.

Here are some key facts about Bobrisky:

Early Life and Career

He was born on August 31, 1992, in Lagos, Nigeria, and studied Accounting at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

He started his social media career on Snapchat and Instagram.

Rise to Fame

Okuneye gained popularity for his outspoken and provocative content, becoming Nigeria’s first male “cross-dresser” or “transgender” celebrity.

He collaborated with brands and influencers, leveraging his large following on social media.

Controversies and Criticisms

He has been criticized for promoting “immoral” behavior and “indecency” and accused of “confusing” Nigerian youth with his lifestyle.

He was arrested in 2019 for alleged “cross-dressing” and “disrupting public peace”.

Business Ventures

The “shemale” later launched (s)his own makeup line, “Bobrisky Beauty”, partnering with fashion brands and beauty companies.

Okuneye owns a luxury clothing store in Lagos.

Personal Life

He openly identifies as gay, despite Nigeria’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws, claiming to have undergone gender reassignment surgery.

He has been involved in high-profile feuds with other celebrities.

Impact and Legacy

Bobriky sparked conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance in Nigeria.

(S)he inspired a new generation of Nigerian influencers and content creators, remaining a polarizing figure, with both admirers and detractors.

Bobrisky is particularly famous for her bold personality and unique style, which has garnered her a large following.

Recently, Bobrisky has been in the news due to legal issues and allegations of bribery involving Nigerian prison officials.

Despite these controversies, she continues to maintain a significant presence on social media, where she shares updates about her life and engages with her fans.

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