The House of Representatives Committee investigating allegations of corruption against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigeria Correctional Service will visit the Lagos offices of the two agencies on Monday, October 21, 2024.
The inquiry stems from claims made by controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, that he paid N15 million to have money laundering charges dropped and received preferential treatment during his incarceration.
The committee, led by Chairman Ginger Onwusibe, announced it would visit the EFCC and NCoS’ Lagos offices on Monday, October 21, 2024, to further its investigations.
The allegations first surfaced through a recorded telephone conversation obtained by social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.
On October 1, 2024, the panel questioned officials from the EFCC, NCoS, and VeryDarkMan concerning claims that Bobrisky paid N15 million to evade prison time. Bobrisky was convicted in April 2024 by the Federal High Court in Lagos and sentenced to six months in prison for the abuse of the naira.
However, reports emerged in August 2024 alleging that he received preferential treatment during his time in custody.
As a result, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered an investigation and the suspension of Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, both in Kirikiri, Lagos.
Otse testified before the committee, presenting an audio recording in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed that he never spent time in a prison facility.
Instead, he reportedly stayed in a private apartment secured through a large monetary bribe. Bobrisky also allegedly revealed that his influential connections ensured he avoided imprisonment, adding that the Deputy Controller of the Correctional Service facilitated the arrangement.
The EFCC and NCoS officials who appeared at the hearing denied all allegations.
However, a week after his appearance, Otse released another audio in which Bobrisky purportedly claimed to have paid N5 million upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in an attempt to secure a Federal Government pardon over money laundering charges.
In the audio, Bobrisky allegedly disclosed that the SAN initially requested N10 million, but he could not pay the total amount as the EFCC had frozen his account.
The committee’s investigation has drawn public attention, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the case. Bobrisky’s alleged statements, including claims of avoiding prison due to his powerful connections, have raised questions about corruption and preferential treatment within the Nigerian justice system.
Before agreeing to testify, VeryDarkMan caused a scene, insisting that Bobrisky should also be made to testify publicly before he would respond to the committee’s questions.
His counsel, Deji Adeyanju, along with committee members, eventually persuaded him to cooperate, with assurances that Bobrisky would also be called to testify in a public hearing.
Speaking about when Bobrisky would be invited for questioning, Onwusibe said the committee would schedule a date after it visits Lagos.
“We are visiting the correctional center in Lagos and the EFCC office in Lagos on Monday next week (October 21). After our visit, we shall resume hearing,” he said.
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for both the EFCC and NCoS, as well as the credibility of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
