The House of Representatives Committee has launched an investigation into allegations of corruption against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS). The controversy surrounds Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, a controversial crossdresser.
Bobrisky was convicted on April 5, 2024, by the Federal High Court in Lagos for abusing the naira and sentenced to six months in prison. He regained freedom on August 5, 2024, amid allegations of receiving preferential treatment. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered an investigation and suspended Deputy Controller of Corrections Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle.
A recorded telephone conversation obtained by social media influencer Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) revealed Bobrisky’s claims of paying N15 million to drop money laundering charges. Otse presented the audio recording to the committee, stating that Bobrisky never spent time in prison but in a private apartment.
According to Otse, Bobrisky disclosed that:
“My godfather was able to say, ‘Never, you will not smell that prison.’ Let the world think that, but you will never.”
“In the audio, the crossdresser allegedly said, ‘Truth be told, I won’t lie to you, you’re my person. I’m not in prison, but I’m around there. They got me an apartment because of my godfather.”
The committee, chaired by Ginger Onwusibe, grilled EFCC, NCoS, and VeryDarkMan officials over the allegations. EFCC and NCoS officials denied the claims.
Also Read: Bobrisky Faces Legal Heat On Alleged Anti_Gay Law Violation.
House of Representatives Grills EFCC, NCoS Officials Over Bobrisky Bribery Allegations
VeryDarkMan caused a drama before agreeing to speak at the investigative hearing, stating that until Bobrisky was similarly made to face the public, he would not entertain any questions. It took pleadings from his counsel, Deji Adeyanju, and committee members for him to change his mind.
A week later, Otse released another audio recording where Bobrisky allegedly claimed paying N5 million upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for a Federal Government pardon.
“The SAN asked for N10m, which I could have transferred, but my account is frozen. My godfather gave me N5m, and we sent it to the SAN two weeks ago. He has already submitted the pardon request.”
The committee will visit the Lagos offices of EFCC and NCoS on October 21, 2024. Chairman Onwusibe confirmed that Bobrisky would be invited for questioning after the visit.
“The visit is part of our investigation. We want to verify some facts and get firsthand information from the officials.
The investigation’s outcome will determine the validity of Bobrisky’s allegations and the potential consequences for those involved.
