Prison experts have shed light on why Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was separated from other inmates at the correctional center. According to Bishop Kayode Williams, Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, Bobrisky’s unique situation warranted special arrangements for his safety.
Williams explained that the prison authorities provide different accommodations for various categories of inmates, including those sentenced to death and convicted inmates. In Bobrisky’s case, his appearance and behavior would put him in danger among the general male inmate population, which includes unrepentant homosexuals.
“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?” Williams asked. “The first thing they do is decide how to treat someone like that.”
To address this, Bobrisky was placed in protective custody, a standard procedure for inmates requiring special protection. Francis Enobore, former National PRO of the Nigerian Correctional Service, corroborated this, stating that the service profiles each inmate for their safety and the general prison environment.
Enobore emphasized that Bobrisky’s separation was not due to preferential treatment but rather to ensure his safety. “Yes, he confessed in court that he is a man, but he came in bodily showing that he is a woman,” Enobore said. “There is no doubt that if care is not taken, we will have a very serious security situation on our hands.”
Enobore also refuted claims that Bobrisky was given a private section, stating, “There’s no such thing as a private apartment or anything special in the prison.”
The controversy surrounding Bobrisky’s incarceration began after allegations emerged that he was arranged to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment. This led to the suspension of two deputy controllers in charge of the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre in Lagos.
Punch.
