President Tinubu: You Owe a Debt of Gratitude to the Brave Whistleblowers and Bobrisky—Honor Their Courage Amidst Intimidation, by John Egbeazien Oshodi

In a nation beleaguered by systemic corruption and ethical decay, President Bola Tinubu should express gratitude not only to the brave whistleblowers who have exposed the sordid truths of Nigeria’s justice system but also to the controversial figure, Bobrisky. This transgender socialite, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, has unwittingly illuminated the pervasive moral failings of our leaders. Released from prison last month after serving a six-month sentence for misusing the naira, Bobrisky’s story exemplifies the absurdity of our current situation.

Both whistleblowers and Bobrisky have courageously placed themselves in the crosshairs of intimidation and backlash for daring to unveil the rot at the core of our institutions. Their revelations lay bare the deep-seated corruption that has long plagued our governance, exposing a stark reality: the very leaders entrusted with upholding justice are often the architects of its demise.

This bizarre twist of fate serves as a reminder that while the truth may be uncomfortable, it is essential for reform. As Nigeria grapples with the fallout from these revelations, it’s clear that the fight against corruption is far from over, and those who dare to speak out must be protected and supported in their quest for justice.

It is time for Tinubu to acknowledge the courage of these truth-tellers, for their actions are not merely acts of defiance but essential steps towards a reckoning that our nation desperately needs. Failure to support them only perpetuates the cycle of impunity that has long defined our political landscape. It is an indictment of a system that seeks to silence those who dare to expose its dark underbelly, and it is a shameful reflection on our collective moral compass.

The Recent Suspension of Officers at Kirikiri Prisons: A Microcosm of Systemic Failure

The recent suspension of officers at Kirikiri Prisons in Lagos State merely scratches the surface of the profound rot within Nigeria’s correctional system. Rampant corruption, blatant lack of accountability, and the preferential treatment of certain inmates reveal a deeply flawed justice system. These pervasive issues don’t just erode public trust; they perpetuate a vicious cycle of inequality, affecting countless individuals across society. A mere suspension of a few officers is inadequate; it is a hollow gesture that fails to address the systemic problems at play. Higher-ups must be held accountable or removed entirely, as they are complicit in a culture that prioritizes the privileged over the principles of justice. Addressing these systemic failures demands a comprehensive approach—one that not only recognizes the complexity of the issue but actively dismantles the structures that allow this corruption to thrive. The time for superficial measures is over; meaningful reform is imperative for restoring integrity within the justice system.

The Illusion of Fairness: A Mockery of Justice

In any democracy that claims to take itself seriously, fairness should be the cornerstone of how individuals are treated—especially those languishing behind bars. Ideally, the rules governing prison life should be as uniform as a cheap suit at a wedding, ensuring ethical and equal treatment for all. But can you believe the sheer audacity of allowing a convicted individual to strut around outside prison walls? This ludicrous idea not only completely undermines the purpose of incarceration but also raises serious ethical questions about our leaders’ integrity.

Such practices foster perceptions of inequality, where wealth and status turn justice into a cruel joke, reducing accountability to nothing more than a hollow facade. Now, in a shocking revelation, the truth has come to light: Bobrisky, despite his alleged prison sentence, has been busy posting different pictures and videos from—wait for it—a lavish private apartment! That’s right; while the rest of us shake our heads in disbelief, he’s living it up like a star.

Let’s face it: you can’t post from a prison environment! The moment he starts sending out selfies and videos, it becomes crystal clear that he’s not in a conventional prison at all but enjoying a luxurious retreat instead. So here’s a wake-up call to our so-called leaders: while you roll out the red carpet for privileged inmates, remember that the truth is out.

Protective Custody: A More Equitable Solution or a Temporary Band-Aid?

Protective custody emerges as a sensible option for managing vulnerable inmates, including prominent figures and socialites. By isolating such individuals from the general prison population, facilities can effectively mitigate risks that arise from their high-profile status. Consider the case of a powerful individual serving time for a crime: without protective measures, they become targets for revenge or extortion, creating a chaotic environment. In contrast, housing them in secure isolation ensures their safety while maintaining order within the facility.

In advanced nations, the treatment of convicted police officers exemplifies the necessity of protective custody. Such officers often face unique dangers from other inmates and are typically housed in segregated units to minimize risks, avoiding the need for extraordinary accommodations that could be exploited. This is not just about protecting individuals; it’s about safeguarding the integrity of the entire correctional system from becoming a breeding ground for chaos and resentment.

Bishop Kayode Williams, the Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, attempted to justify these accommodations on Arise TV, citing the purported dangers faced by high-profile inmates like Bobrisky. But let’s be clear: this line of reasoning is not just misguided; it’s a gross misrepresentation of what constitutes proper protective custody. Suggesting that an inmate should be granted access to a private apartment is not only absurd; it is a blatant violation of established protocols and ethical standards.

Protective custody is intended to ensure the safety of vulnerable inmates—not to provide them with luxury accommodations. Inmates in protective custody should be housed in secure units within the prison facility designed to shield them from harm, not in private residences that open the door to further corruption and privilege.

This misplaced notion of protective custody raises severe ethical concerns about the integrity of the judicial and correctional systems. The idea that a sentencing judge would approve such an arrangement is laughable at best. It reflects a culture steeped in bribery and dishonesty, undermining the very principles of justice and fairness that these systems are supposed to uphold.

High-profile inmates do face unique challenges within the prison environment, but the appropriate response is to provide adequate safety measures and mental health support within the facility itself—not to bend the rules for celebrity inmates. This is where the conversation should be: how to implement effective protective measures without compromising the integrity of the justice system.

If we allow such leniencies for one individual based on public persona, we set a dangerous precedent that erodes public trust and encourages further exploitation of the system. True justice must involve equitable treatment for all individuals, regardless of their status or popularity.

The public deserves a transparent and accountable correctional system that serves as a deterrent against crime rather than a playground for the privileged. The situation surrounding Bobrisky should serve as a wake-up call to the authorities: reform is necessary, and it must begin with a clear understanding of what protective custody truly means. Anything less is an affront to the fundamental principles of justice that our society desperately needs.

The Erosion of Justice and Security: A Dangerous Precedent

The ramifications of preferential treatment extend beyond ethical concerns, delving into psychological territory. Inmates observing disparities in treatment may foster resentment, breeding contempt for authority and complicating efforts to maintain order. The perception of favoritism could escalate tensions among inmates, undermining the facility’s operational integrity.

Moreover, while the intention behind providing Bobrisky with outside accommodations may have been protective, it raises significant questions regarding the appropriateness of such measures. Upholding fairness within the justice system must outweigh attempts to offer personalized accommodations that inadvertently endorse inequality. When a system designed to dispense justice begins to selectively apply its standards, it sends a chilling message: that power and privilege can override accountability.

Historical Context: Lessons Ignored

Instances of preferential treatment are not new to Nigeria’s justice system. The escape of Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive who fled custody while housed in a guest house linked to the National Security Adviser, serves as a cautionary tale. His escape underscores the inherent risks associated with allowing privileged accommodations that deviate from established detention protocols. Such incidents expose the vulnerabilities within the system and the urgent need for stricter adherence to protocols that uphold the justice system’s integrity.

The ongoing investigation by the House of Representatives into Anjarwalla’s escape and the scrutiny surrounding Bobrisky’s accommodations reveal a troubling pattern in Nigerian governance. Although promises of accountability are frequently made, they often go unfulfilled, eroding public trust in governmental oversight. The inability to hold individuals accountable for such grave lapses perpetuates the notion that the rule of law is merely a suggestion for the powerful.

A Call for Genuine Oversight: The Time for Accountability is Now

The scrutiny surrounding Bobrisky’s case has captured media attention, with personalities like Rufai Oseni analyzing the unfolding drama. These analyses raise essential questions about the accountability of influential individuals implicated in corruption. However, the systemic corruption ingrained in Nigeria’s law enforcement and judicial sectors often remains the focal point overshadowed by individual narratives.

Bobrisky’s situation encapsulates the broader struggle against corruption and manipulation, where power dynamics dictate the enforcement of justice. As the individual grapples with external pressures to conform to societal narratives, the underlying issues of exploitation and corruption persist. This ongoing battle against truth epitomizes the challenges Nigeria faces, where genuine accountability often yields to the whims of power.

The Need for Accountability and Reform: A National Imperative

The pervasive corruption within law enforcement and judicial institutions accentuates the urgency for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s justice system. Instances of preferential treatment not only compromise the rule of law but also perpetuate cycles of injustice that disproportionately affect ordinary citizens. Bobrisky’s case stands as a clarion call for systemic change—one that demands an equitable application of justice transcending the influence of power and privilege. The Nigerian populace deserves a justice system that holds all individuals accountable, irrespective of social standing or personal circumstances.

The case of Bobrisky, alongside allegations of bribery involving prison officials and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), starkly highlights the abject failures of Nigeria’s leadership. This government’s blatant disregard for the rule of law and justice underscores a systemic crisis where self-interest trumps collective accountability. This pervasive culture of corruption not only emboldens wrongdoers but also shatters the faith of ordinary Nigerians in their institutions.

President Tinubu, if you genuinely care about democracy and the rule of law, it’s time to act decisively: demand the immediate resignation or outright firing of the chiefs of corrections, the EFCC, the Minister of Interior, and any other leaders complicit in this disgrace. Anything less is simply unacceptable. Your silence and inaction will only embolden further corruption and injustice.

Conclusion: A System in Crisis Demands Immediate Action

The case of Idris Okuneye is not just a scandal; it’s a glaring indictment of a justice system in crisis, one that is fraught with rot and inefficiency, threatening the very foundations of law and order in Nigeria. Bad leaders, in their arrogance and corruption, have created an environment where truth-tellers and whistleblowers are being systematically intimidated. This must not be tolerated. President Tinubu has a moral obligation to protect those who dare to expose the rot that festers within our institutions. Failure to do so only emboldens those leaders who would rather perpetuate the status quo of deceit and privilege.

The time for empty promises has passed; there must be a robust commitment to reforming the correctional system. It is imperative that all inmates, regardless of societal standing or public persona, are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. This isn’t just about Bobrisky; it’s about a fundamental principle that the scales of justice must be balanced for everyone. The future of Nigeria’s justice system hinges on our ability to confront corruption, implement effective oversight mechanisms, and hold those in power accountable.

Leaders who intimidate whistleblowers are the very architects of the chaos that plagues our society. They must be reminded that the truth will always find a way to surface, no matter how hard they try to bury it. They need to be warned: targeting those who expose corruption will not be tolerated. If President Tinubu wants to earn the trust of the Nigerian people, he must stand firmly with those courageous individuals who dare to speak out against the pervasive rot in our system.

This moment presents an unparalleled opportunity for President Tinubu to lead Nigeria toward meaningful reforms grounded in fairness and accountability. The price of inaction is not just high—it is catastrophic. The courageous whistleblowers and individuals like Bobrisky deserve more than mere acknowledgment—they deserve protection, respect, and a justice system that truly reflects the values of fairness and integrity. If the Tinubu administration fails to act decisively, it risks plunging the country further into a chasm of distrust and despair. It’s time to choose action over inaction, to stand against intimidation, and to restore the integrity of our justice system and for all.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University.