The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to conduct an independent investigation into serious allegations made against controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
In a viral video shared by blogger Martins Otse, widely recognized as VeryDarkMan, it was alleged that Bobrisky paid ₦15 million to officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to dismiss money laundering charges against him. This claim surfaced in connection with Bobrisky’s naira spraying incident that led to a six-month prison sentence earlier this year.
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NBA President Afam Osigwe expressed deep concern over the allegations, stating that any EFCC officers found complicit in the bribery must face dismissal and prosecution. The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has initiated an investigation into these bribery claims and invited both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan for questioning.
In the controversial video, VeryDarkMan also suggested that Bobrisky paid additional sums to secure favorable conditions during his imprisonment. Bobrisky has vehemently denied these allegations, prompting the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to launch their own inquiries.
The NBA, in its statement, emphasized the urgent need for a thorough investigation, saying, “The allegation of bribery to reduce or drop charges is very disturbing.” They demanded transparency from the NCoS regarding Bobrisky’s incarceration, particularly concerning claims that he did not serve his time in a correctional facility as mandated.
The NBA further insisted, “If it is proven that he was allowed to serve his sentence outside a Correctional Facility, in breach of the law and a court order, the officers and officials responsible must be prosecuted and dismissed from service.”
The organization urged for an independent investigation into the claims that Bobrisky bribed officials to serve his prison sentence at home rather than in a correctional facility. Such actions, they argued, could significantly undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Osigwe reiterated the importance of accountability, stating that if these allegations hold any truth, they could severely tarnish the integrity of the correctional system and signal an urgent need for reforms in prosecutorial and correctional processes.
To ensure due process in this matter, the NBA plans to appoint eminent members of the legal profession to oversee the investigation.
