The Federal Government has ordered an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the directive in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Babatunde Alao.
The directive to probe the Service is coming on the heels of allegations by a Social activist, Martins Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan who had in a live Facebook post on Tuesday evening released a leaked audio clip which he purported to be that of cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye (aka Bobrisky), discussing with another person about how his godfather ensured that he did not sleep in the Custodial Centre, having been sentenced to six months in prison for mutilating Nigeria’s currency, the Naira.
In the audio clip, allegation was also made that top officials of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) demanded a bribe of N15m from him to drop money laundering charges against him.
Tunji-Ojo in the statement condemned the alleged reprehensible behaviour, emphasizing that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, and corruption would be met with zero tolerance and severe consequences within the paramilitary services under the Ministry’s purview.
The statement read: “The Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
“Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo unequivocally condemned the alleged reprehensible behaviour, emphasizing that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, and corruption will be met with zero tolerance and severe consequences within the paramilitary services under the Ministry’s purview.
“The Ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law.
“The Minister has set up a special investigative panel headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, to probe these allegations and submit a comprehensive report.
“Other members of the committee are Dr. Uju Agomuoh of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation And Welfare Action (PRAWA) who will serve as the Secretary; Mrs Eva Omatese, Director of Legal Ministry of Interior; Mr. Usman Nasiru, Director of Joint Services Ministry of Interior, Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo (Consultant Iyke) of The Brekete Family Show.
“The Minister reassures the public that the investigation will be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, and that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against any personnel found guilty,” it stated.
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