House Investigates Alleged Corruption in EFCC and Correctional Services as Influencer VeryDarkMan Testifies
Social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, alongside his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, appeared before the National Assembly Complex today.
They are attending the hearing of a joint committee investigating allegations of corruption involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS).
The investigation stems from accusations made by controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, who was convicted in April for naira abuse. Bobrisky claimed that officials from the EFCC and NCS demanded bribes to allow him to serve his sentence in a VIP section of the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre in Lagos.
In a voice note shared by VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky alleged that after his conviction, his godfather collaborated with the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to arrange for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment instead of the regular prison.
Adding to the controversy, a memo revealed that Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, a Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, was suspended for allegedly receiving money on behalf of an inmate.
The memo stated, “Their suspension is to allow proper investigation into the allegations against them, and the outcome will be made public.”
On Thursday, September 26, the House of Representatives adopted a motion to investigate the bribery allegations after a call for urgent public attention by Patrick Umoh, a representative from Akwa Ibom State. Umoh expressed concern over the allegations, which had gained widespread attention after being circulated by VeryDarkMan.
“The publication alleges that the EFCC dropped money laundering charges against Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, in exchange for a bribe of N15 million,” Umoh stated.
“Furthermore, it claims that after his conviction for defacing the naira, Bobrisky did not serve his time at a correctional facility but was instead lodged outside its confines.”
Umoh highlighted that these serious accusations against critical law enforcement agencies like the EFCC and NCS must not be ignored, as they could further tarnish Nigeria’s image internationally.
The motion was referred to the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary session.
Further details on the investigation are expected as the proceedings continue.
