The House of Representatives has announced plans to investigate bribery allegations raised by social media influencer, Martins ‘VeryDarkMan’ Otse, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
Earlier, The New Daily Prime reported that VeryDarkMan took to Instagram to share a leaked audio allegedly featuring controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
In the audio, Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have paid EFCC officials N15 million to drop money laundering charges against him. He further alleged that, through the intervention of his Godfather, he was able to serve his six-month jail term in a private residence rather than in prison.
Bobrisky was arrested by the EFCC in April on charges related to money laundering and the mutilation of the Naira. During his trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Justice Abimbola Awogboro dismissed the money laundering charges (counts five and six) but sentenced Bobrisky to six months in prison for Naira abuse.
The judge emphasised that the sentence, which did not include the option of a fine, was meant to serve as a warning to others involved in the illegal mutilation of the Naira.
Bobrisky began serving his sentence on March 24 and was released from Kirikiri Correctional Centre on August 5.
Meanwhile, The Punch reported on Thursday that the House resolution to investigate the matter followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance.
The motion was sponsored by Patrick Umoh, who represents Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State. He expressed concern over the serious allegations made by VeryDarkMan against the EFCC and NCoS.
The Punch quoted the lawmaker saying, “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.”
Mr Umoh said the publication portrayed Nigeria as a corrupt nation and presented a damaging image that must not be ignored or overlooked.
After the motion was adopted, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary session, directed the matter to the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions.
The committees are expected to report back to the House within three legislative weeks for further consideration and action.
