The House of Representatives Committee investigating allegations of corruption involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) is set to visit the Lagos offices of both agencies on Monday, October 21, 2024.
This inquiry follows claims made by controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, through a recorded conversation shared by social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan.
Committee Chairman Ginger Onwusibe confirmed the planned visit, stating that it is an essential step in the ongoing investigation. On October 1, the panel questioned officials from the EFCC, NCoS, and Otse regarding allegations that Okuneye had paid N15 million to have money laundering charges against him dropped. Okuneye was convicted on April 5, 2024, and sentenced to six months in prison for currency abuse but was released on August 5, 2024, amid allegations of preferential treatment while incarcerated.
In response to these developments, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered an investigation and suspended two deputy controllers of corrections overseeing the Kirikiri custodial facilities in Lagos. During his testimony, Otse presented audio recordings in which Bobrisky claimed he spent his time not in prison but in a private apartment, allegedly due to a significant payment.
EFCC and NCoS officials have denied any wrongdoing. However, Otse later released another audio in which Okuneye claimed he paid N5 million to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to seek a federal pardon for his money laundering charges, mentioning that the initial fee requested was N10 million, but his frozen accounts limited his ability to pay.
In the audio, Okuneye stated, “I’m not in prison, but I’m around there. They got me an apartment because of my godfather as long as Bob is not posting or saying anything, they can put me close to the place.” He added that he anticipated finishing his sentence by July but hoped to leave sooner if granted amnesty.
Before his testimony, VeryDarkMan expressed reluctance to answer questions unless Bobrisky was also made to face the committee publicly. After discussions involving his legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, and committee members, he agreed to proceed with the hearing.
Speaking to journalists , Onwusibe indicated that a date for Bobrisky’s appearance would be set following the committee’s visit to Lagos. “After our visit, we shall resume hearing,” he confirmed.
