The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Wednesday, ordered an in-depth investigation into allegations of bribery within the Nigerian Correctional Service. While no specific case was named, the directive follows a voice note shared by social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, in which Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) claimed his six-month sentence for abuse of the naira was served in a private apartment rather than a prison, thanks to arrangements by his godfather and the Controller General of the Correctional Service.
This controversy comes as human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) distanced himself from the matter, giving VeryDarkMan a 24-hour ultimatum to retract a statement allegedly linking him to Bobrisky.
Falana’s lawyer, in a letter to VeryDarkMan, emphasized, “Our client has never spoken to Bobrisky on any matter, including his alleged pardon.”
In the viral voice note, a voice purported to be Bobrisky’s described how he avoided prison after his sentencing, stating: “On my way to prison, my godfather called and assured me I wouldn’t enter prison… He said he’d arrange an apartment near the prison and speak to the Comptroller General.”
Bobrisky also allegedly claimed to have paid a ₦15 million bribe to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officials to drop money laundering charges and alleged contact with Falana, who reportedly offered to help seek a pardon from the Federal Government for a ₦10 million fee.
Reacting swiftly, Minister Tunji-Ojo condemned the allegations, stating in a press release from his media aide, Alao Babatunde, that corruption would not be tolerated.
“The Minister of Interior has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service,” the statement read, adding that the ministry would maintain a zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline.
Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, will lead the investigation team tasked with uncovering the truth behind the claims.
Meanwhile, Falana’s legal team has issued a pre-action letter to VeryDarkMan, demanding an immediate retraction of the defamatory statements. The letter described the allegations as “vicious, reckless, and damaging to Mr. Falana’s reputation,” warning of legal action if a retraction and apology are not provided within 24 hours.
The ongoing investigation promises to be rigorous, with Tunji-Ojo vowing that any personnel found guilty will face severe consequences.
