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).
The probe follows accusations made by social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, claiming that the EFCC dropped money laundering charges against popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, after allegedly receiving a bribe of N15 million.
The motion to investigate the allegations was raised by Representative Patrick Umoh, who represents the Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, during Thursday’s plenary session. Umoh expressed deep concern over the damaging nature of the allegations and their potential impact on Nigeria’s international image.
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“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. It further alleges that Okuneye, upon conviction for abuse and defacing of the naira, did not serve his time at the Nigerian Correctional Service but was accommodated outside the confines of the service,” Umoh told his colleagues in the House.
The lawmaker stressed the need for an urgent inquiry to address the negative portrayal of Nigeria as a corrupt nation and protect the integrity of its law enforcement agencies. He emphasized that the National Assembly established both the EFCC and the NCS to fight corruption and ensure proper correctional measures for convicted persons, and scrutinized any deviation from these duties.
“We are disturbed about the damning allegations against Nigerian critical law enforcement agencies—the EFCC and the NCS—established by this hallowed chamber to fight corruption and incarcerate persons convicted of a crime for correctional purposes, respectively,” he added.
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In response, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary session, referred the matter to the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions. The committees have been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation and are expected to present their findings within three legislative weeks.
The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for the EFCC and NCS, as the House seeks to uphold the credibility and effectiveness of these institutions amidst the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria.