The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to thoroughly investigate the bribery allegations against some of its officials. This follows claims made by Nigerian internet personality, Bobrisky (real name Idris Okuneye), who alleged he paid N15 million to EFCC officials to drop money laundering charges against him.
Bobrisky, who was released from prison on August 5 after serving a six-month sentence for currency abuse, made this claim in a video shared by another influencer, VeryDarkMan, also known as Martins Otse, on Tuesday.
In response, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has ordered an immediate investigation into the allegations. Both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan have been summoned to the EFCC’s Lagos office for questioning.
Additionally, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for a separate, comprehensive investigation into bribery accusations involving officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
NBA President Afam Osigwe, in a statement on Wednesday, praised the EFCC for its swift decision to investigate. Osigwe noted that the investigation would be a test of the EFCC’s transparency in handling criminal charges and bringing defendants to court.
“The bribery allegations are deeply concerning and demand a thorough and immediate investigation. We need to find out if bribes were indeed paid to influence the charges, and anyone found guilty must face the full consequences of the law,” Osigwe stated.
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He also emphasized the importance of determining if Bobrisky or anyone acting on his behalf financially influenced the dropping of the charges. The NBA stressed that all those accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty but called for a transparent and expedited investigation.
Furthermore, the NBA requested that the NCoS clarify the conditions under which Bobrisky served his sentence. “If it’s proven that he served his time outside a correctional facility, in violation of the law, those responsible must be held accountable,” the NBA said.
The association also urged the Attorney-General, the EFCC, and the National Security Adviser to independently investigate claims that Bobrisky paid a bribe to avoid serving his sentence in a correctional facility and to secure a government pardon.
“We believe this investigation is an opportunity for everyone involved to clarify their roles. If true, these claims would highlight serious flaws in the justice system that need urgent reform,” the NBA added.
The NBA also addressed rumors that human rights lawyer Femi Falana might have influenced Bobrisky’s bid for a presidential pardon. While applying for a presidential pardon is a legal right, the NBA stressed that the process should be free of unethical practices. Osigwe defended Falana’s integrity, noting that he has denied any involvement.
Falana’s legal firm, in a letter signed by his son and musician Falz (Folarin Falana), demanded an immediate retraction and apology for the claims made in the video. The letter described the allegations as “vicious, wicked, and reckless,” and clarified that Falana never contacted Bobrisky.
