The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for an independent investigation into claims that controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, paid ₦15 million to officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to have money laundering charges against him dropped.
The allegations were made by blogger Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, in a viral video. He claimed that Bobrisky bribed EFCC officers following his involvement in a naira-spraying incident, after which he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. The blogger also alleged that Bobrisky paid additional sums to secure preferential treatment while serving his sentence.
In response, NBA President Afam Osigwe issued a statement on Wednesday, urging the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to launch a thorough investigation into the bribery claims. Osigwe emphasized that any EFCC officers found guilty should be dismissed and prosecuted.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has already ordered an internal investigation into the bribery accusations and has invited both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan for questioning.
In its statement, the NBA expressed concern over the potential bribery and called for transparency regarding Bobrisky’s prison experience. “The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) must respond to allegations that Bobrisky did not serve his sentence in a correctional facility and provide transparent details on the conditions under which he served,” the NBA said.
The NBA warned that if the allegations are proven, it would severely undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system and call for significant reforms.
The association also vowed to appoint senior legal professionals to monitor the situation and ensure due process is followed. Both the EFCC and the NCoS have since initiated investigations into the matter, while Bobrisky has denied all allegations.
