The House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into bribery allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prompting the Joint Committees of the House to summon the commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyode.
In a letter dated September 27, 2024, the committee also called for the appearance of the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, alongside all officers involved in the allegations. They are expected to appear on Monday, September 30.
The bribery allegations against both the EFCC and the Nigeria Correctional Service stem from a viral social media audio clip involving Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, a crossdresser who was sentenced to six months in prison earlier this year for naira abuse. The leaked audio suggests that Bobrisky paid ₦15 million to EFCC officials to drop money laundering charges and that he served his time in a VIP facility rather than in a correctional center.
In addition to Olukoyode and the Comptroller General, the committee has also invited Bobrisky and social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, who released the voice recording that sparked the controversy.
Falana Refutes Bribery Allegations
Folakemi Falana, daughter of prominent lawyer Femi Falana, has strongly denied allegations that her father and brother, singer Falz, were involved in bribery related to Bobrisky’s prison sentence. In a post on Instagram, she addressed claims made by VeryDarkMan, dismissing them as defamatory.
“Two letters from Falana & Falana, on behalf of my father and brother, have been sent to VDM, giving him 24 hours to retract his statements or face legal action,” she wrote. She criticized the ease with which people were quick to believe the accusations, despite the track record of both her father and brother. She also clarified that Femi Falana never communicated with Bobrisky and that while Bobrisky sought financial assistance from Falz, no bribery was involved.
EFCC Launches Investigation
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has ordered an immediate investigation into the bribery claims. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that a team of investigators has been assembled, and both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan have been invited to assist with the probe at the EFCC’s Lagos office.
NBA Calls for Independent Investigation
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu to independently investigate the bribery allegations against the EFCC. The NBA President, Afam Osigwe, emphasized the need for a transparent inquiry into whether Bobrisky paid a bribe to serve his sentence outside a correctional facility or in exchange for a government pardon.
Osigwe added that any officers found guilty of accepting bribes to alter charges must be dismissed and prosecuted. He also called on the Nigerian Correctional Service to clarify Bobrisky’s sentence conditions and ensure that any breaches of court orders are properly addressed.
The NBA vowed to monitor the situation closely and ensure due process is followed, warning that such allegations, if proven true, would severely undermine Nigeria’s criminal justice system and public trust.