The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into bribery allegations within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
While no specific cases were mentioned, the directive follows a voice note from Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, in which Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) claimed that after his April conviction for abusing naira notes, arrangements were made for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment with the help of his godfather and the Controller General of the service.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana denied any connection to Bobrisky, demanding a retraction and apology from VeryDarkMan for linking him to the case. In the viral voice note, purportedly from Bobrisky, he mentioned that he was promised he wouldn’t go to prison, being instead placed in an apartment under strict conditions.
“We wish to state, without any fear of contradiction, that our client (Falana) has never, in his life, spoken to Brobrisky on his alleged pardon or on any matter whatsoever,” Falana’s lawyer stated in their letter to VeryDarkMan demanding a retraction and an apology.
Bobrisky in the voice note also alleged that he paid a bribe to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to have money laundering charges dropped and mentioned being approached by Falz and Falana for help in securing a government pardon for a fee.
In response to the allegations, Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline and corruption, asserting that the ministry would uphold values of integrity and transparency.
He announced that the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, will lead the investigation to ensure it is thorough and impartial, with appropriate actions taken against any wrongdoers.
