Rita Odafe
A committee from the House of Representatives is set to investigate the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) by visiting their Lagos offices on Monday, October 21, 2024.
This inquiry was initiated following controversial statements made by social media personality Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, which became public through a leaked phone call with influencer Martins Otse, recognized as VeryDarkMan.
The committee’s chairman, Ginger Onwusibe, informed Punch about the visit, emphasizing the need to gather more facts related to the allegations.
On October 1, the committee questioned officials from the EFCC, NCoS, and Otse over accusations that Okuneye allegedly paid ₦15 million to dismiss money laundering charges against him.
Bobrisky was found guilty by the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 5, 2024, for violating laws related to the naira, resulting in a six-month prison sentence. He was released on August 5, 2024, amid claims of receiving special treatment while detained.
In response to these events, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, began an investigation and suspended Deputy Controllers of Corrections Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle, responsible for the Medium and Maximum Security Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos.
During the inquiry, Otse revealed an audio recording in which Bobrisky insisted he did not experience actual imprisonment but resided in an apartment during his time in custody after allegedly making a hefty payment. Officials from the EFCC and NCoS denied these claims.
Following his statement, Otse shared another audio excerpt in which Okuneye purportedly mentioned that he initially paid ₦5 million to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to seek a federal pardon regarding his money laundering case.
In the audio, Bobrisky reportedly remarked, “I’m not in prison, but I’m around there… they got me an apartment because of my godfather.”
Initially reluctant to testify, Otse agreed to participate after discussions with his attorney, Deji Adeyanju, and committee members, provided that Bobrisky would also publicly share his account.
When asked about scheduling Bobrisky’s questioning, Onwusibe stated that a date would be arranged soon after the committee’s visit to Lagos.
“We are visiting the correctional centre in Lagos and the EFCC office in Lagos on Monday next week (October 21). After our visit, we shall resume hearing,” he confirmed.
