Reps Launches Investigation into Alleged Bribery Scandal Involving Bobrisky and Correctional Services

The House of Representatives has begun an investigation into serious allegations of bribery involving controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, and officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). This development follows Bobrisky’s recent conviction and imprisonment for defacing the naira, Nigeria’s currency.

The probe by the House of Representatives was prompted by a voice note shared by social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan. In the recording, Bobrisky claimed that after being sentenced to six months in prison for naira abuse, his influential connections arranged for him to serve his sentence in a private apartment instead of a correctional facility. Bobrisky also alleged that he paid N15 million to the EFCC to have money laundering charges against him dropped.

In reaction to these allegations, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board suspended two senior prison officials. A memo signed by the Board’s Secretary, Ja’afaru Ahmed, confirmed the suspension of Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri, Lagos, and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections at the same facility.

The memo stated: “Following the viral video trending on social media on alleged infractions by officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service relating to Mr. Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has suspended forthwith the following senior officers of the service: Michael Anugwa, DCC, In-Charge of MSCC, Kirikiri, Lagos State; and Sikiru Adekunle, DCC, In-Charge of MSCC, Kirikiri, Lagos State.”

The Board also suspended an officer serving at the MSCC in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Ogbule Obinna, for allegedly escorting an inmate outside the facility, and Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja, for reportedly receiving money on behalf of an inmate.

Ahmed explained that the suspensions were necessary to allow for a thorough investigation into the allegations. “The suspension of these officers is to allow proper investigation into the allegations against them, while assuring that the outcome would be made public when concluded,” he said.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over the accusations made against the EFCC and NCoS by VeryDarkMan. The House, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, decided to investigate the matter after adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Patrick Umoh, a representative from Akwa Ibom State.

Addressing his colleagues, Umoh highlighted the seriousness of the allegations. He said, “The publication alleges that the EFCC dropped money laundering charges against Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, upon collection of the sum of N15 million.”

Umoh added, “The publication also claims that Idris Okuneye, upon his conviction for abuse and defacing of the naira, did not serve his time at the Nigeria Correctional Service, but was lodged outside the confines of the service.”

Umoh expressed concern over the damage such allegations could do to Nigeria’s reputation. Umoh said, “We are disturbed by the damning allegations against Nigeria’s critical law enforcement agencies, the EFCC and the NCS, established by this hallowed chamber to fight corruption and incarcerate persons convicted of crimes for correctional purposes. The negative image and portrayal of Nigeria as a corrupt nation in this publication is one that should not be swept under the carpet.”

The House has directed its Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions to investigate the matter and report back within three legislative weeks for further action.

This unfolding scandal has sparked widespread concern among Nigerians, with many calling for a thorough and transparent investigation to restore confidence in the country’s law enforcement and correctional institutions.