Prison experts have explained the reasons behind the decision to separate controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, from other inmates at the correctional facility, while dismissing rumors of a special VIP section.
He disclosed this on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Friday, Bishop Kayode Williams, the Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, outlined the different accommodations provided for inmates based on their specific categories.
He stated “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.”
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Addressing the situation surrounding Bobrisky’s detention, Williams elaborated on the complexities involved in handling inmates with unique identities.
He explained that the accommodations provided for male inmates were unsuitable for someone like bobrisky.
He added, “The accommodation that is provided for males, are they going to bring Idris with his transgender body or 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.”
Supporting Williams’ position, Francis Enobore, the former National PRO of the Nigerian Correctional Service, explained that every inmate is profiled to ensure both their safety and the security of the prison environment.
He acknowledged the unique challenge posed by Bobrisky’s appearance, which, despite his court admission of being a man, made him vulnerable in a male prison.
He stated, “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.”
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE