The House of Representatives has summoned the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyode, to address bribery allegations leveled against the commission. A letter dated September 27, 2024, from the Joint Committees of the House, invited Olukoyode and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service to appear on Monday, September 30, alongside other officers implicated in the accusations.
The investigation stems from a viral voice recording involving Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, a crossdresser sentenced to six months in prison for abusing the naira. The recording suggests that Bobrisky paid N15 million to EFCC officers to drop initial money laundering charges and that he served his sentence in a VIP facility rather than in a regular prison.
In addition to the EFCC officials, the House Committee has invited Bobrisky and social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, who shared the incriminating recording.
Falana Denies Bribery Involvement
Folakemi Falana, daughter of prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, strongly denied accusations linking her father and brother, musician Falz, to bribery in Bobrisky’s case. The allegations, amplified by VeryDarkMan, claimed that the Falanas were involved in securing special treatment for Bobrisky while in prison.
In an Instagram post, Folakemi dismissed the claims as baseless, adding that legal action is being pursued against VeryDarkMan for defamation. She clarified that neither Femi Falana nor Falz had any communication with Bobrisky regarding his prison sentence or a potential presidential pardon.
EFCC Launches Investigation into Bribery Allegations
In response to the bribery claims, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyode has ordered an internal investigation. According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, a special team of investigators has been set up to probe the allegations, and both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan have been invited to provide statements at the commission’s Lagos office.
Nigerian Bar Association Calls for AGF and NSA Probe
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also weighed in, urging the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to conduct independent investigations. NBA President Afam Osigwe emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry into claims that Bobrisky bribed EFCC officers to drop charges and allegedly served his prison sentence outside a correctional facility.
The NBA warned that such allegations, if proven, would undermine public trust in the criminal justice system. The association has vowed to monitor the investigation and ensure accountability if any wrongdoing is uncovered.
The AGF and NSA are expected to investigate not only the bribery claims but also the alleged use of a private residence as a detention facility for a convicted individual, which would constitute a serious breach of law and order.
