Interior Ministry To Investigate Alleged Bribery In Nigerian Correctional Service
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
Babatunde Alao, SA Media and Publicity to the Minister of Interior, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
TheFact Daily notes that the probe follows a bribery allegation by Idris Okuneye known as Bobrisky in a video released by a blogger, Martins Otse known as VeryDarkMan, against a top officer of the Nigeria Correctional Service.
In the viral audio, Bobrisky also claimed to have bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with N15m to drop the money laundering charge against him.
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.
According to Alao, the Minister has set up a special investigative panel headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, to probe these allegations and submit a comprehensive report.
“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 said.
Other members of the committee include 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; and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo (Consultant lyke) of The Brekete Family Show.
The Minister assured the public that the investigation will be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, and that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against any personnel found guilty.
