Following a resolution by the House of Representatives to launch an investigation into bribery allegations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the House’s Joint Committees on Financial Crimes, Justice, and Correctional Services have formally extended an invitation to the chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyode, to appear before them. This development comes in light of recent claims surrounding the handling of a high-profile case involving popular Nigerian social media personality, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky. According to Channels TV, the invitation to the EFCC chairman was communicated through an official letter dated September 27, 2024, in which the committee expressed the need for his presence at the upcoming hearing.
The House Committees have set the date for the inquiry to take place on Monday, September 30, where they expect not only the EFCC chairman but also the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service to attend, along with all officers connected to the allegations. The investigation aims to shed light on the bribery accusations that have recently surfaced and ensure transparency in how these matters were handled by the relevant authorities.
The bribery claims first came to the public's attention when a voice recording emerged on social media. The recording features Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, who had been sentenced to six months in prison earlier in 2024 for a crime involving the abuse of the naira. Bobrisky, who is known for his influential social media presence, was allegedly involved in a secret deal with officials from the EFCC. In the recording, Bobrisky allegedly stated that he had paid N15 million to the EFCC in exchange for the dismissal of money laundering charges that were initially leveled against him. Additionally, the recording hinted that instead of being placed in a regular prison, Bobrisky had been accommodated in a VIP section, further sparking concerns of preferential treatment and possible corruption within the system.
The House Committees are taking these allegations seriously, as the matter not only involves bribery but also highlights potential lapses in the justice and correctional systems. In addition to summoning the EFCC chairman and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Committees have also invited Bobrisky himself to provide his side of the story. The investigation also extends to social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who was responsible for leaking the voice recording that ignited the current controversy. Both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan have been requested to attend the hearing as key witnesses to help the House Committee gain a full understanding of the events surrounding the bribery accusations and ensure that justice is served.
The House of Representatives has expressed its determination to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into these bribery allegations, particularly given the widespread public interest in the matter. With significant figures such as Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan being at the center of the controversy, the inquiry has drawn the attention of both the media and the general public, raising questions about the integrity of law enforcement and correctional services in Nigeria. The findings of this investigation are expected to have serious implications for both the individuals involved and the institutions tasked with upholding justice and financial integrity within the country.