The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have denied any wrongdoing concerning the incarceration of cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, and the alleged bribery of EFCC officials.
During a hearing before the House of Representatives Committee investigating allegations of bribery and misconduct, the Comptroller-General of the NCoS, Mr. Haliru Nababa, stated that Bobrisky served his full six-month sentence at a Lagos correctional facility after being convicted for mutilating the naira. The conviction saw Bobrisky incarcerated from April 12 to August 13, 2024.
Nababa clarified that Bobrisky was held in a private cell within the correctional facility due to his unique physical features, such as mammary glands and curvy hips, which portrayed him as a woman.
This arrangement, he said, was in line with international best practices to protect Bobrisky from potential violations by other inmates.
He further stated that, for security reasons, Bobrisky was transferred between the Medium Security Custodian Centre and the Maximum Security Custodian Centre, but he was never allowed to leave the facility.
The allegations surfaced after an audio recording was published by social media influencer and human rights activist, Mr. Vincent Otse, also known as Very Dark Man (VDM).
In the recording, Bobrisky allegedly claimed he served his sentence in a private apartment and paid N15 million to EFCC officials to drop money laundering charges against him.
Responding to these claims, EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Michael Nzekwe, refuted any allegations of bribery. Olukoyede explained that Bobrisky had initially been investigated for failing to submit a declaration of activities for his firm, Bob Express, to the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), a violation of Section 6(1) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
However, after receiving a report from SCUML showing that Bob Express was not a Designated Non-Financial Business and Profession (DNFBP), the EFCC dropped the charges. Olukoyede emphasized that the decision to drop the case was made in the interest of justice, with no external influence or bribe involved.
VDM, in his testimony before the committee, claimed to have additional evidence, which he promised to release as the investigation progresses. He also urged the committee to ensure that Bobrisky receives no special treatment, adding that he will continue to expose corruption regardless of threats or opposition.
"The judiciary system is being messed up so bad. You people have to save your face," VDM told the committee. He submitted part of his evidence and demanded that Bobrisky be summoned to testify before the committee.
In response, the committee’s chairman, Rep. Ginger Onwusibe (LP-Abia), insisted that Bobrisky must appear in person at the next hearing. He also requested video footage of Bobrisky’s activities throughout his time at the correctional facility. Additionally, the committee will investigate the accounts provided by VDM, where the alleged N15 million bribe was supposedly deposited.
The hearing was adjourned to a future date, which will be announced later. Bobrisky was absent from the session, and his counsel, who appeared on his behalf, was not allowed to speak as he had no formal authorisation.
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