The House of Representatives Joint Committee on Monday investigated allegations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) were bribed by Idris Okuneye, alias Bobrisky, following his conviction and sentencing for abuse of the naira in April.
The allegations stem from an audio recording released by social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. In the recording, Bobrisky allegedly claimed that he paid N15 million to EFCC officials to drop money laundering charges against him and served his six-month sentence in a private apartment, not Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre, due to his connections with a mysterious godfather and the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
“I obtained the audio recording from someone who lent Bobrisky N4 million,” VeryDarkMan told the committee.
The EFCC and NCoS have denied the bribery allegations. The EFCC stated that Bobrisky pleaded guilty to charges, leading to the dropping of money laundering charges, while the NCoS insisted that Bobrisky served his term at Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre.
“The commission has been consistent in its advocacy, calling on the public with credible information on alleged acts of corruption involving any of its officers to come forward with evidence,” said Michael Nzekwe, Chief of Staff to the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered a probe and suspended Deputy Controller of Corrections Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle.
During the hearing, Michael Anugwa denied allegations, stating Bobrisky was kept in a separate cell due to his “special features” and transferred to Kirikiri for security purposes.
“During the admission of the inmate (Bobrisky), we discovered that he had two features. We did not know where to place him because, for instance, he had breasts. We had to take him to Room 2 in the B Ward. This is also in line with global best practices as approved by the United Nations,” Anugwa explained.
Anugwa also stated that Bobrisky refused to eat prison rations, preferring to make personal arrangements for his feeding, which is guaranteed under the nation’s laws.
Ben-Rabbi Freeman, Assistant Controller General, confirmed Bobrisky’s transfer to Kirikiri, stating, “The transfer from Ikoyi to Kirikiri was purely for security purposes. The inmate (Bobrisky) was taken to the maximum facility in my official car.”
When asked about his suspension, Anugwa said, “It was a social media suspension, sir,” which elicited laughter from the audience.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) labeled Anugwa’s actions as an attempt to mislead the public. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, the NCoS stated that Anugwa’s suspension was part of a broader investigation into misconduct.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Correctional Service suspended not only the said officer in the video but three other officers following their alleged roles in various misconducts to allow for further investigation,” Abubakar said.
Bobrisky’s lawyer, Avwerosuoghene Omuvwie, cited ill health for Bobrisky’s absence, prompting demands for medical proof.
“We hope that the next time we invite him, he will be well,” said committee member Patrick Umoh.
The Chairman of the Committee, Ginger Onwusibe, indicated that at the next meeting, Bobrisky and the person who recorded the audio would be invited to appear before the committee.
Locations: Lagos, Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre, Ikoyi Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abuja.
