Nigerian Authorities Launch Investigation into N15 Million Bribery Allegations Involving Bobrisky, Prison Chief

Nigerian Authorities Launch Investigation into N15 Million Bribery Allegations Involving Bobrisky, Prison Chief

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). This directive follows a recently released audio recording by popular influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, featuring Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, allegedly confessing to bribing officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with N15 million and the Controller General of the NCoS, Haliru Nababa, to evade incarceration.

Background of the Allegations

The audio recording, which has gone viral on social media, appears to capture Bobrisky’s voice admitting to bribing EFCC officials and Nababa to secure his release from prison. Bobrisky was released from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre on August 5 after six months in custody.

Minister’s Response

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo’s media aide, Babatunde Alao, conveyed the minister’s commitment to integrity within the service. Tunji-Ojo condemned the alleged actions, asserting that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, and corruption would not be tolerated and would face severe repercussions.

“The ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law.”

Investigation Details

To ensure a thorough investigation, Tunji-Ojo has established a special investigative team headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. The team’s objectives include:

Probing the allegations of bribery and corruption
Identifying individuals involved
Submitting a comprehensive report

EFCC’s Investigation

The EFCC has also launched an investigation into the bribery allegations, inviting Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan to cooperate. The EFCC’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed that the commission is taking the allegations seriously.

Bobrisky’s Denial

Bobrisky has denied the allegations, stating that he did not bribe EFCC operatives and served his prison sentence in full. In a social media post, Bobrisky claimed:

“I did not bribe anyone to secure my release. I served my time and was released accordingly.”

Implications

The outcome of this investigation will significantly impact Nigeria’s correctional service’s integrity. If found guilty, the individuals involved will face severe consequences, including:

Disciplinary actions
Prosecution
Imprisonment

Reactions from Stakeholders

The development has generated mixed reactions from stakeholders, including:

Nigerian Correctional Service officials
EFCC officials
Civil society organizations
Social media users

Some have commended the minister’s swift action, while others have expressed skepticism about the investigation’s effectiveness.

Conclusion

The investigation into the N15 million bribery allegations involving Bobrisky and the prison chief is a critical step towards promoting transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s correctional service. As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to ensure that justice is served.