The House of Representatives recently grilled officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) regarding allegations that these agencies accepted bribes from Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
Bobrisky was convicted on April 5, 2024, and sentenced to six months in prison for abusing the naira. After serving his term, he was released on August 5, 2024, amidst claims of receiving preferential treatment due to his celebrity status.
A social media influencer, VeryDarkMan, released an audio recording allegedly made by Bobrisky, claiming that an unnamed godfather collaborated with the NCoS Controller General to secure a private apartment for Bobrisky’s six-month sentence. The recording also alleged that Bobrisky paid N15 million to EFCC officials to drop money laundering charges.
EFCC officials denied the bribery allegations, stating that Bobrisky’s money laundering charges were dropped because he pleaded guilty in his confessional statement. NCoS officials maintained that Bobrisky served his term at the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre, not in a private apartment.
During the hearing, Deputy Controller of Corrections Michael Anugwa explained that Bobrisky was kept in a separate cell due to his unique features and was allowed self-feeding arrangements, as permitted by law. Anugwa denied allegations that Bobrisky was held outside the correctional facility.
The Chairman of the Committee, Ginger Onwusibe, requested that the person who recorded the audio appear before the committee at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned sine die.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered a probe and the immediate suspension of Deputy Controllers of Corrections Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle. The NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, stated that the suspension was due to alleged misconduct and allowed for further investigation.
