Bobrisky prison treatment claims by ex-inmates reveal shocking VIP privileges during his six-month sentence in Kirikiri Correctional Centre
Controversial Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, is once again making headlines—this time over alleged preferential treatment during his six-month stay in Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
Recently released inmates of the facility, who shared their experiences on The Honest Bunch podcast, claimed that Bobrisky was placed in a special cell within the male wing and did not mingle with the general prison population.
“He no dey outside o, but he no join us for the general cell,” one of the former inmates said in Pidgin, describing Bobrisky’s unusual placement within the facility.
The inmates asserted that while Bobrisky did serve time like everyone else, his experience was far from typical. According to them, he was housed in a VIP section where he enjoyed relative privacy, comfort, and frequent visits from outsiders.
“We dey prison, and he dey special place inside the prison,” one of them recounted. “People dey come visit am and we dey see am every day.”
These statements have ignited public debate about the justice system’s impartiality, especially when it comes to high-profile individuals.
While there is no official confirmation from the Nigerian Correctional Service regarding these claims, the revelations have raised eyebrows across social media platforms.
Bobrisky’s sentencing in April 2024 followed widespread criticism over his social media posts, which showed him defacing naira notes at public events. He was arrested and charged for abuse and mutilation of the national currency, a serious offence under Nigerian law.
On April 12, a Federal High Court found him guilty and handed down a six-month prison sentence without the option of a fine. At the time, legal experts described the punishment as the strictest possible outcome under existing legislation.
Bobrisky served the full sentence and was released on August 5, 2024. His release came without public statements from either himself or the authorities. However, the recent comments from ex-inmates have once again thrust his case into the public spotlight.
Many Nigerians are now questioning whether celebrity status can influence the conditions under which justice is served. The alleged special treatment contrasts starkly with the grim reality described by many who have experienced incarceration.
A human rights advocate, Adewale Oladimeji, told reporters, “If these claims are true, it reveals a troubling double standard. No inmate, regardless of fame or identity, should receive privileges that others are denied.”
The case is further complicated by the sensitive discussions around gender identity in Nigeria. Despite Bobrisky’s public persona and feminine appearance, the court had ordered he be remanded in a male correctional facility, citing legal and administrative protocol.
However, the inmates confirmed that Bobrisky remained in a male-only environment, although one clearly distinct from the conditions they endured.
“We no sabi am like friend, but we dey see am. He no dey with us at all,” another former inmate said, emphasising the distance kept between Bobrisky and the general population.
As Nigerians continue to react to these shocking claims, many are demanding transparency from correctional authorities. The lack of official statements has only fuelled speculation that certain high-profile individuals may receive protected treatment behind bars.
Whether the Nigerian Correctional Service will investigate these claims remains uncertain. For now, the story stands as another chapter in Bobrisky’s controversial public life—a narrative that shows no signs of slowing down.
