EFCC Explains Decision To Dismiss Bribery Charges Against Bobrisky

EFCC Explains Decision To Dismiss Bribery Charges Against Bobrisky

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims of accepting a bribe to drop the money laundering charges against popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky……CONTINUE READING 

On Monday, the EFCC clarified that the money laundering charges were dropped after Bobrisky’s confessional statement in court regarding naira abuse and based on information from the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML). According to SCUML, Bobrisky’s company, Bob Express, was not classified as a Designated Non-Financial Institution, Business, and Profession (DNFIBP), making it exempt from prosecution under the Money Laundering Prevention & Prohibition Act, 2022.

Bilikisu Bala, head of the EFCC prosecution team for Bobrisky’s case, addressed these issues while appearing before the House of Representatives’ investigative committee, which is looking into the alleged ₦15 million bribery case involving Bobrisky and the EFCC. Bala emphasized that the EFCC has the authority to amend charges and firmly denied any suggestion that the charges were dropped due to bribery.

“We initially filed six charges against Okuneye, four related to naira abuse and two to money laundering, based on his admission that his company, Bob Express, wasn’t registered with SCUML and wasn’t submitting returns. However, when we reached out to SCUML for confirmation, they informed us that Bob Express was not a DNFIBP, meaning we could not legally continue with the money laundering charges. Consequently, we dropped them and focused on the four naira mutilation charges to which Okuneye had already pleaded guilty,” Bala explained.

She dismissed claims of financial motivation, stating that no bribe was involved. “The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) permits the amendment of charges. It’s standard practice. Suggesting our decision was influenced by money is absurd. Why would we contact SCUML if we had no intention of pursuing the charges? We dropped the charges once it was confirmed that no law had been violated,” she added.

Chairman of the investigative committee, Ginger Onwusibe, requested that the individual who made the audio recording alleging bribery appear at the next session. The meeting was adjourned indefinitely. Meanwhile, Bobrisky’s lawyer, Avwerosuoghene Omuvwie, informed the committee that his client was unable to attend in person due to health concerns.