The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has mandated a comprehensive investigation into allegations of bribery within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
This directive follows a controversial video posted by Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, in which Idris Okuneye, popularly referred to as Bobrisky, claimed that arrangements were made for him to serve his six-month sentence outside of prison.
In the video, Bobrisky detailed how his godfather, in collaboration with the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, facilitated his stay in a private apartment rather than in a correctional facility.
He stated, “There’s jealousy involved. When I got to court, I admitted guilt, hoping for either a fine or community service. However, the court sentenced me.”
Bobrisky continued, recounting, “On my way to prison, my godfather called and assured me I wouldn’t enter prison. He told me not to worry and said he would arrange an apartment near the prison and speak to the Comptroller General of Prisons in Abuja.” He alleged that he was taken to an apartment where he was instructed not to leave until his sentence was complete, adding, “The person said he’d collect N10 million, so I had to call Elele again. Elele gave me N2 million because there was no one else to call.”
In response to these serious allegations, Minister Tunji-Ojo condemned the alleged behavior, affirming that any form of indiscipline would not be tolerated.
A statement issued by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, read, “The Minister of Interior has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service.”
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that “any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, or corruption will be met with zero tolerance and severe consequences within the paramilitary services under the Ministry’s purview.”
The statement continued, asserting, “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.”
Alao also mentioned that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, would lead the investigative team. He stated, “The minister has called for a special investigative team, headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, to probe these allegations and submit a comprehensive report.”
Tunji-Ojo reassured the public that the investigation would be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, promising that appropriate disciplinary actions would be taken against any personnel found guilty.
Nigerian Bar Association Calls for Further Investigation
In related developments, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also called for an immediate investigation into allegations of a N15 million bribe involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bobrisky, who has been convicted, alleged that she paid the bribe to have a money laundering case against her dropped.
NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) described the allegations as disturbing and commended the EFCC for initiating a probe into the matter.
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In a statement, he said, “If it is proven that she was allowed to serve her sentence outside a correctional facility, in breach of the law and a court order, the officers and officials responsible must be prosecuted and dismissed from service.
Osigwe continued, “The investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should determine whether or not there was any financial inducement by Bobrisky or anyone on her behalf in exchange for the dropping of money laundering charges against her. Any person found complicit must face the full weight of the law.
“The NBA acknowledges that all individuals and institutions accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. However, we insist that a swift and thorough investigation be carried out to establish the truth. If any public official is found culpable, appropriate legal action must be taken to hold them accountable.
“We also call upon the Attorney General of the Federation, EFCC, and the Office of the National Security Adviser to independently investigate allegations that a convict paid a bribe to be allowed to serve prison time in a private residence instead of in a correctional facility, as well as the allegation that a bribe was demanded in exchange for a government pardon. The suggestion that convicts can freely serve their time in private residences and potentially procure a pardon by paying a bribe undermines the very foundation of our criminal justice system and erodes public confidence in the system.
“We believe that this investigation will provide the individuals named in these allegations the opportunity to clarify their roles (if any) in this matter. If these allegations are found to be true, it would not only mock our correctional system but also serve as a wake-up call for necessary reforms in our prosecutorial and correctional processes. The NBA shall appoint eminent members of the legal profession to monitor this situation and ensure that due process is followed.
“The NBA is especially concerned with the allegation involving one of Nigeria’s foremost legal luminaries, Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, Folarin Falana, Esq. (aka FALZ). The video claims that Mr Folarin Falana reached out to Bobrisky, and his father, Femi Falana (SAN), allegedly discussed the possibility of applying for a presidential pardon for Bobrisky. We note that Femi Falana (SAN) has denied this allegation.
“It is important to note that the law allows convicts to apply for a presidential pardon under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). This provision empowers the President to grant pardons to individuals convicted of offences, subject to certain conditions and upon the recommendation of the Council of State.
“The NBA acknowledges that applying for a presidential pardon is a legitimate legal recourse available to any convict, as stipulated by law. However, it is crucial to clarify that such a process must follow due procedure and be devoid of any form of influence peddling or unethical practices.
“Femi Falana (SAN) is a highly respected legal practitioner known for his integrity and long-standing commitment to human rights and justice. He has, in fact, denied the allegation against him. The Nigerian Bar Association urges the public to refrain from making premature conclusions regarding Mr Falana’s or any person’s alleged involvement in these matters.
“The Nigerian Bar Association reiterates its commitment to upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law. We will continue to support all efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in our prosecutorial, law enforcement, and correctional systems. We also call for calm and restraint while investigations are carried out, and we assure the public that we will monitor these investigations closely to ensure they are conducted in a transparent and unbiased manner.”
