The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Monday inaugurated an independent investigative panel to probe allegations of corruption and gross violation against correctional service.

The inauguration, according to the Minister became necessary to sanitize the service towards attaining transparency and accountability.

Recall that the Minister, who is also the Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), had suspended several officers overseeing the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State, following allegations of misconduct involving the handling of cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

Tunji-Ojo noted that the need for holistic approach to unravel the issues being investigated, through empirical and fact-finding process that, will proffer lasting solutions to the challenges.

According to him, government is really committed to reform the correctional service, adding that the core responsibility of the committee is to investigate specific allegations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers, especially the immediate one on Bobrisky which he expects to be out in 2 weeks.

Headed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalena Ajani, the Minister charged the committee to uphold justice, without fear or favour to any party.

While proposing medium- and long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences, the minister further charged the committee to identify systemic issues contributing to violations within the service, and recommend concrete actions for immediate redress and policy reforms.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, who is also the Chairperson of the Investigation Panel, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, stated that the committee would do their best to deliver on the mandate.

The committee comprises Omotese Eva (Mrs.), Director Legal; Nasir Usman, Director, Joint Services; Dr. Uju Agomoh, President, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) who is a former Board Member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA); and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, Human Rights Radio consultant, a Forensic Researcher and Social Impact Expert with over 27 years experience in corporate leadership