Falana Threatens Legal Action As Minister Orders Probe Into Bobrisky Bribery Allegation

Falana Threatens Legal Action As Minister Orders Probe Into Bobrisky Bribery Allegation

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into bribery allegations within the Nigerian Correctional Service. His directive follows the release of a voice note by Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, in which Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, claimed that following his conviction for abusing naira notes in April, his godfather and the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service arranged for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment rather than in prison……CONTINUE READING 

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has denied any connection to Bobrisky and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to VeryDarkMan to retract his statement linking him to the controversial figure. Falana’s legal team stated, “Our client has never spoken to Bobrisky regarding his alleged pardon or any matter whatsoever,” demanding a formal retraction and apology.

In the viral voice note shared by VeryDarkMan, a voice believed to be Bobrisky’s was heard discussing alleged favoritism. Bobrisky claimed, “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. On my way to prison, my godfather called and assured me I wouldn’t enter prison. He said he would arrange an apartment near the prison and speak to the Comptroller General of Prisons in Abuja.”

Bobrisky went on to allege that he paid a bribe of N15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to have money laundering charges dropped, leaving only the naira abuse charges for which he was convicted. He also claimed he was approached by rapper Falz and his father, Falana, who allegedly offered to help him seek a government pardon for a fee of N10 million.

In response to the allegations, Minister Tunji-Ojo condemned the purported misconduct, stating, “The Minister of Interior has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service.” He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline, unprofessionalism, and corruption among the ministry’s paramilitary services.

The investigation will be led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, who is tasked with compiling a thorough report on the matter. The minister assured the public that the inquiry would be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, with appropriate disciplinary measures for any personnel found guilty.

Meanwhile, Falana has taken legal steps against VeryDarkMan, demanding a retraction of the alleged defamatory statements made against him. His lawyer, Taiwo Olawanle of Falana and Falana Chambers, issued a letter giving the social media influencer 24 hours to retract the statements and issue an apology or face legal consequences.