The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into bribery allegations involving some of its own officers. The probe follows accusations by popular Nigerian social media personality Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, in a viral video.
In the video, shared by Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky claims that certain unnamed EFCC officers received a bribe of N15,000,000 to drop money laundering charges against him.
Bobrisky had initially faced a six-count charge for currency abuse and money laundering, involving over N127,780,877.98. The money, which was paid into his company’s Eco Bank account between September 2021 and April 2024, led to his arraignment.
However, during the court proceedings, the EFCC, through its counsel Suleiman Suleiman, revealed that they had reached an agreement with Bobrisky, leading to the withdrawal of two of the charges.
Suleiman had stated, “We have an agreement with the defendant, which will lead us to withdraw counts 5 and 6. In the circumstance, we’re humbly urging the court to strike out counts 5 and 6, leaving counts 1 to 4 alive.”
Although the money laundering charges were dropped, Bobrisky was still convicted for naira abuse. Following his conviction, the bribery allegations surfaced, sparking widespread concern and prompting the EFCC to act swiftly.
In response to the viral video and the serious nature of the claims, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede ordered an immediate investigation.
According to the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan have been invited to the Lagos Directorate of the EFCC to provide further information to help investigators uncover the truth behind the allegations.
Oyewale further stated, “The EFCC chairman has ordered an immediate investigation of alleged bribery allegations imputed to some officers of the Commission by Idris Okuneye (a.k.a. Bobrisky) in a viral video circulating across the country.”
He also emphasized the Commission’s commitment to transparency, noting that the outcome of the investigation would be made public.
“The EFCC wishes to assure the public that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated and the result of the findings made public accordingly. The Commission is committed to its core values of integrity, courage, professionalism and collaboration at all times.”
