The House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into bribery allegations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS).
This action follows the recent release of an audio clip by social critic Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, in which crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also called Bobrisky, claims that the EFCC dropped money laundering charges against him after accepting a N15 million bribe.
During a plenary session on September 26, lawmaker Patrick Umoh, representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, introduced a motion expressing concern over VeryDarkMan’s widely circulated publication, describing the allegations as damaging.
Umoh highlighted the negative implications of these claims for Nigeria’s reputation as a corrupt nation and stressed the need for urgent action.
He stated: “The publication alleges that the EFCC dropped money laundering charges against Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky upon collection of the sum of N15,000, 000. The publication alleges that Idris Okuneye, upon conviction for abuse and defacing of the Naira, by the court, did not serve his time at the Nigeria Correctional Service, but was lodged outside the confines of the service.
“We are disturbed about the damning allegations against Nigerian critical law enforcement agencies-the EFCC and the NCS established by this hallowed chambers to fight correction and incarcerate persons convicted of a crime for correctional purposes respectively.”
He expressed deep concern about the serious allegations against these essential law enforcement agencies, which are tasked with promoting justice and rehabilitation.
Umoh insisted that the portrayal of Nigeria as a corrupt nation should not be ignored.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, presiding over the session, referred the matter to the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions, instructing them to report their findings within three legislative weeks.
