The House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into allegations of bribery involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS).
The probe follows claims made by social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, accusing the EFCC of dropping money laundering charges against Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, in exchange for a N15 million bribe.
Rep. Patrick Umoh, representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, brought the matter to the floor during Thursday’s plenary.
Umoh expressed his concerns over the serious allegations and their potential to tarnish Nigeria’s international image.
“The publication alleges that the EFCC dropped money laundering charges against Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, upon collection of the sum of N15,000,000,” Umoh said, referencing the accusations made by VeryDarkMan on social media.
In addition to the bribery allegations, Umoh highlighted claims that Bobrisky did not serve his sentence for his conviction on charges related to the abuse and defacement of the Naira.
According to the influencer’s report, Bobrisky was allegedly lodged outside the confines of the Nigerian Correctional Service despite his sentencing.
“We are disturbed about the damning allegations against Nigerian critical law enforcement agencies—the EFCC and the NCS—established by this hallowed chambers to fight corruption and incarcerate persons convicted of crimes for correctional purposes, respectively,” Umoh remarked during the session.
He further stressed that the negative portrayal of Nigeria as a corrupt nation in the widely circulated publication should not be ignored, urging the House to take immediate action to address the issue.
Investigation to Begin
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, referred the matter to the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions.
These committees have been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation and are expected to present their findings within three legislative weeks.
The allegations have sparked significant public interest, as they touch on the integrity of Nigeria’s key law enforcement institutions, and the outcome of the investigation is expected to have far-reaching implications.
