Chief Babalola Shabi, the Baale of Kirikiri Town, has made shocking revelations about Bobrisky’s alleged bribery scheme during his time at Kirikiri prison. The traditional leader claims that the popular social media personality paid ₦35 million to prison officials to receive special privileges while incarcerated. Shabi shared these details during a town hall meeting organized by the Lagos State Police Command, which was part of the National Police Week celebrations.
According to Shabi, Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, managed to bring eight Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards into the facility. Using these cards, he transferred large sums of money to Point of Sale (POS) operators. Shabi alleges that Bobrisky used the money to bribe prison staff for preferential treatment during his imprisonment.
Bobrisky’s Secret Stay Outside the Prison Walls
Shabi further claimed that Bobrisky did not serve his full sentence inside the prison. Instead, he was secretly housed in a private apartment outside the prison walls, thanks to the assistance of corrupt prison officers. The money was allegedly used to arrange this special accommodation and ensure Bobrisky’s comfort during his time behind bars.
The Baale revealed that he was the one who uncovered the scheme. He invited POS operators from the community to his palace and worked with them to trace the financial transactions. “I called the POS operators to my palace, and from there, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stepped in,” Shabi explained. The investigation followed, and the money trail was decoded.
Authorities Investigate the Scandal
Shabi’s actions have led to a deeper investigation into the scandal. He emphasized how quickly and easily large amounts of money were withdrawn, which indicated a coordinated effort within the prison. The rapid flow of ₦35 million suggested the involvement of multiple accomplices among the prison officials.
As a result of the scandal, the prison officers implicated in the bribery have been suspended. Additionally, authorities identified and demolished the property where Bobrisky was allegedly kept during his time outside the prison. Both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the EFCC have interrogated Shabi as part of the ongoing investigation.
This new information contradicts earlier reports, including one by a National Assembly committee. The committee had previously stated that Bobrisky stayed within the prison grounds for the duration of his sentence. However, Shabi’s revelations suggest a different reality, and the case has sparked outrage over corruption within Nigeria’s correctional system.
