The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has replaced Michael Anugwa, the Deputy Controller of Prisons (DCP) at the Kirikiri Medium Security Prison in Lagos State.
Daniel Ogu replaced Anugwa last week and has been performing the suspended DCP’s role, FIJ gathered.
Anugwa went before the House of Representatives on September 30 to answer questions bordering on the role he played in claims of bribery to help Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, beat the prison system and serve a six-month sentence in a conducive lodge.
The representatives asked if Anugwa was suspended as the NCoS had publicly announced, but he chuckled and replied, “They did not serve me a letter, sir. It is a social media suspension.”
READ MORE: ‘It Was Just Social Media Suspension’ — Suspended Prison Official Exposes Futility of Interior Minister’s Action
Michael Anugwa in the House of Representatives on September 30
This claim stirred controversy and forced the NCoS to issue another statement reaffirming Anugwa’s suspension.
The service maintains that Anugwa cannot remain in office while an independent panel looks into claims that he benefitted from cash payments Okuneye made.
‘HE BEAT INMATES LIKE GOATS’
With several allegations rocking the prison service, insiders in Kirikiri have told FIJ they witnessed Anugwa physically assaulting inmates in April.
“On April 24, he and some prison wardens bought canes to flog inmates like goats,” an insider claimed. “It was not the first time. He does it regularly but April 24 was peculiar.
“The controller transferred Bobrisky to the maximum prison three days earlier because a post went viral a week ago showing him [Bobrisky] donating chairs to prison authorities. Some inmates took a video of him when he was about to enter the building of his private cell.
“After the leak, the controller took Bob to the maximum facility, and this annoyed the DCP because he could no longer benefit.”
On Tuesday morning, FIJ called Rotimi Oladokun, the Correctional Service Public Relations Officer, Lagos Command.
Oladokun said, “I am not aware of these, but the NCoS is investigating.”
Babatunde Alao reiterated his sentiments. Alao is the Chief Press Secretary to Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior.
During a telephone interview with FIJ on Monday, Alao said the NCoS had initiated a probe into the allegations and set up an independent panel to perform an unbiased audit of everyone involved.
FIJ also sent messages to Anugwa’s Facebook account on Tuesday. Anugwa had not responded to FIJ’s message at press time.
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