NBA demands ‘thorough’ investigation into Bobrisky’s N15m allegation

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to carry out a thorough investigation into the bribery allegations levelled against its officers.

Bobrisky, whose birth name is Idris Okuneye, was released from prison on August 5 after serving his six-month term for abusing the naira.

On Tuesday, VeryDarkMan, born Martins Otse, shared a video online wherein Bobrisky claimed he bribed some EFCC officials with N15 million to drop the money laundering charges against him.

The EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, ordered an immediate investigation into the allegations. VeryDarkMan and Bobrisky have been invited to the commission’s office in Lagos for questioning.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into bribery allegations within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

Weighing in on the matter in a statement on Wednesday, Afam Osigwe, NBA president, commended the “timely” decision of the EFCC to investigate the matter.

Osigwe said the investigation would serve as a test to show the transparency of the commission’s process and procedures for charging defendants to court.

“The allegation of bribery to reduce or drop charges is very disturbing. An urgent and thorough investigation is needed to determine whether bribes were paid or are sometimes paid to influence the nature of charges brought against defendants in criminal cases,” Osigwe said.

“This investigation will also test the transparency of the investigative process and the procedures for charging defendants in court.

“The investigation by the EFCC should determine whether or not there was any financial inducement by Bobrisky or anyone on his behalf in exchange for the dropping of money laundering charges against him. 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 actions must be taken to hold them accountable.”

The NBA also asked the NCoS to also provide transparent details on the conditions under which Bobrisky served his sentence. 

“If it is proven that he was allowed to serve his 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,” the statement read.

“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.

“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 also expressed concern over the allegation which claimed that Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, could influence the possibility of a presidential pardon for Bobrisky.

“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,” Osigwe said.

“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 indeed any person’s alleged involvement in these matters.”

In a letter,  letter from Falana & Falana Chambers, Falz, born Folarin Falana, demanded an immediate retraction and apology for the claims made in the video.

The letter described the claims as “vicious, wicked, and reckless,” adding that Falana never contacted Bobrisky.