FOLLOWING a resolution by the House of Representatives to probe allegations of bribery involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the House’s Joint Committees have summoned EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede.
In a letter dated September 27, 2024, the committee requested the presence of both the EFCC Chairman and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service on Monday, September 30, along with any officers implicated in the allegations.
These bribery claims, involving both the EFCC and the Nigeria Correctional Service, stem from a viral social media audio recording featuring Idris Okuneye, a crossdresser sentenced earlier this year to six months in prison for naira abuse.
The audio alleges that Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, paid N15 million to the EFCC to drop money laundering charges against him and that he was given VIP treatment rather than serving time in a prison.
The House Committee has also summoned Bobrisky and social media influencer Martins Otse, known as Very Dark Man, who released the recording.
Falana Denies Bribery Allegations
Folakemi Falana, daughter of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, has strongly denied any allegations of bribery or corruption involving her father and brother, Falz, in connection with Bobrisky’s case.
On her Instagram account, Folakemi addressed the accusations made by Very Dark Man, calling them baseless and defamatory. She shared two legal letters from Falana & Falana Chambers demanding a retraction within 24 hours or legal action would follow.
“It’s absurd that baseless accusations against my dad and Falz can so easily cloud the truth of who they are and what they represent,” she wrote, refuting claims that Femi and Falz had any involvement in securing Bobrisky’s special prison treatment or bribing officers for a presidential pardon.
Folakemi clarified that neither her father nor her brother had ever communicated with Bobrisky, and while Bobrisky once approached Falz for financial help, it was unrelated to securing preferential treatment in prison.
EFCC Launches Investigation, Summons Bobrisky and Very Dark Man
On Tuesday, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede initiated an investigation into the bribery allegations raised by Bobrisky in a video posted by Martins Otse (Very Dark Man).
Bobrisky claimed that EFCC officers took N15 million from him to drop money laundering charges.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that both Bobrisky and Very Dark Man have been invited to assist in the investigation.
NBA Calls for Independent Probe
Meanwhile the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to independently investigate the bribery allegations.
The NBA expressed concern that bribes might have been paid to influence charges or allow Bobrisky to serve time in a private residence rather than in a correctional facility.
NBA President Afam Osigwe emphasized that any EFCC officers found guilty must be dismissed and prosecuted.
He also called on the Nigeria Correctional Service to clarify the conditions under which Bobrisky served his sentence and demanded full accountability from all involved parties.
The NBA stressed the importance of investigating the allegations to restore public confidence in the justice system and hinted at possible reforms if the claims were proven true.
The association pledged to appoint senior legal professionals to monitor the situation and ensure due process is followed.