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Reps Summon EFCC Chair, Bobrisky, And VeryDarkMan Over Alleged ₦15 Million Bribery Scandal
Reps Summon EFCC Chair, Bobrisky, And VeryDarkMan Over Alleged ₦15 Million Bribery Scandal....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Following the House of Representatives resolution to investigate allegations of bribery against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Joint Committees of the House has extended an invitation to the chairman of the commission Ola Olukoyode.
In a letter dated 27th September 2024, the committee asked the EFCC Chairman and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service to appear on Monday the 30th, with all officers involved in the allegation.
The allegation of bribery against the anti-graft agency and the Nigeria Correctional Service followed a trending social media voice conversation involving one Idris Okuneye, a crossdresser sentenced earlier this year to six months in prison for abuse of the naira.
The trending voice conversation suggested that Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, paid N15 million to EFCC to drop charges of money laundering initially made against him and that he spent time in a VIP facility instead of prison.
The House Committee is also inviting Bobrisky and a social media influencer, Martins Otse, known as Very Dark Man, on social media who released the voice recording.
Falana Refutes Bribe Allegation
Folakemi Falana, the daughter of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, has vehemently denied bribery and corruption allegations involving her father and her brother, Falz, linked to Bobrisky’s reported prison sentence.
Folakemi in a post on her Instagram handle, addressed the claims, which stemmed from accusations made by VeryDarkMan , labeling them baseless and defamatory.
“Two different letters from Falana & Falana on behalf of our clients Femi Falana SAN and Folarin Falz Falana giving VDM 24 hours to retract his extremely defamatory statements or risk legal action,” she captioned.
“It’s even crazier that all it takes is for a ridiculous character like VDM to accuse my dad and Falz of bribery, corruption, and perversion of the course of Justice and you suddenly forget who they are and what they stand for..”
According to Folakemi, rumours circulating online, which social media activist VDM amplified, falsely suggest that her father and brother were complicit in helping Bobrisky secure favorable treatment while in prison.
She also claimed they were linked to an alleged attempt to bribe officers for a presidential pardon rumors she has now categorically debunked.
She also clarified that Femi Falana has never had any communication with Bobrisky, either directly or through an intermediary, and that her brother, Falz, was only approached by Bobrisky for financial assistance to secure a VIP spot while in prison.
EFCC Invites Bobrisky, VeryDarkMan
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, on Tuesday ordered an immediate investigation of bribery allegations levelled against some officers of the commission by controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye also known as Bobrisky.
Okuneye, an ex-convict, alleged in a video powered by a blogger, Martins Otse known as VeryDarkMan, that some unnamed officers of the EFCC collected the sum of ₦15m from him to drop money laundering charges against him.
In a statement on Tuesday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said the EFCC boss has constituted a team of investigators to look into the allegations.
“To this end, the Commission hereby invites both Okuneye and Otse (VeryDarkMan) to make themselves available at its Lagos Directorate to assist investigators unearth the alleged bribery,” he said.
NBA Asks AGF, NSA To Probe Bribery Allegations Against EFCC
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Wednesday urged the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; to conduct an independent investigation into allegations made by a blogger, VeryDarkMan, that some officers of the EFCC collected ₦15 million from Bobrisky, to dismiss money laundering charges against him.
A statement by the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, said EFCC officers found culpable must be dismissed and prosecuted.
In the statement, the NBA said, “The allegation of bribery to reduce or drop charges is very disturbing. An urgent and thorough investigation is needed to determine whether bribes were paid or are sometimes paid to influence the nature of charges brought against defendants in criminal cases.”
“The NBA therefore demands that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) not only respond to the allegation that Bobrisky did not serve his time in a correctional facility but also provide transparent details on the conditions under which Bobrisky served his sentence.
“If it is proven that he was allowed to serve his sentence outside a Correctional Facility, in breach of the law and a court order, the officers and officials responsible must be prosecuted and dismissed from service.”
The NBA also asked the AGF and the NSA to conduct independent investigations into the allegations.
“We also call upon the Attorney General of the Federation, EFCC, and the Office of the National Security Adviser to independently investigate allegations that a convict paid a bribe to be allowed to serve prison time in a private residence instead of in a Correctional Facility, as well as the allegation that a bribe was demanded in exchange for a government pardon.
“The suggestion that convicts can freely serve their time in private residences and potentially procure a pardon by paying a bribe undermines the very foundation of our criminal justice system and erodes public confidence in the system.
“We believe that this investigation will provide the individuals named in these allegations the opportunity to clarify their roles (if any) in this matter. If these allegations are found to be true, it would not only mock our correctional system but also serve as a wake-up call for necessary reforms in our prosecutorial and correctional processes.
“The NBA shall appoint eminent members of the legal profession to monitor this situation and ensure that due process is followed,” the statement read.
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‘Pain Before Prosperity’: Presidency Declares Current Hardship A Temporary Hurdle On The Road To Nigeria’s Economic Revival!
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has asserted that Nigerians are beginning to experience the positive impacts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms. He pointed to increased funding for states, improvements in infrastructure, and strengthening macroeconomic indicators as evidence that the administration’s policies are steering the country toward growth.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
During an interview on Arise TV, Onanuga countered criticisms from political opposition figures, maintaining that public support is increasing because citizens are seeing tangible changes in their local communities. He highlighted that state governments are now better equipped financially to undertake significant projects, including the construction of schools, roads, and health institutions.
Regarding the management of the naira, Onanuga defended the move to let market forces determine its value, stating this helped remove economic distortions and that the currency shows potential for further appreciation. While he acknowledged that many Nigerians are facing increased costs of living, he characterized these challenges as the “inevitable consequences” of necessary major reforms, comparing the current situation to a temporary period of pain before long-term prosperity.
On other key policy areas, Onanuga noted:
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Electricity Reform: He identified the Electricity Act as a landmark achievement that empowers states to independently generate, transmit, and distribute power, fostering a more competitive sector.
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Insecurity: He disputed claims that insecurity has worsened, arguing that some media reporting and opposition rhetoric exaggerate the reality of the situation.
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National Unity: He explained that the restoration of the old national anthem was a deliberate action by President Tinubu to emphasize the importance of unity and brotherhood among Nigerians despite their differences.
Onanuga concluded by affirming that the administration is laying the foundation for a stronger economy and that official communication remains consistent, even if the President’s personal style differs from his predecessors.
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Tension Erupts: Atiku’s Aide Dares Tinubu To Resign, Branding It A Move Of ‘Strength, Not Weakness’.
Paul Ibe, the media adviser to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has publicly called for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign. Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Ibe argued that stepping down is a patriotic decision rather than a sign of weakness when a leader fails to meet the fundamental duties of government—specifically the security and welfare of the citizenry.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Ibe criticized the current administration as “incompetent” and “clueless,” asserting that the government’s approach to insecurity has been an ineffective cycle of “trial and error”. He pointed to the ongoing captivity of various victims and recent violence in Plateau, Benue, Oyo, and Kogi states as clear evidence that the government has failed to protect vulnerable communities or restore public confidence.
Regarding the proposed introduction of state police, Ibe clarified that while the Atiku camp supports the concept in principle, they view the government’s current push to legislate it ahead of the 2027 elections as a political maneuver rather than a genuine security initiative.
Furthermore, Ibe addressed public sentiment regarding the political establishment, noting that it remains the prerogative of Nigerian voters to evaluate whether Atiku Abubakar possesses the necessary competence and skill set to lead the country. He also dismissed recent media reports concerning alleged conditions set by former Minister Rotimi Amaechi for a potential running mate role, labeling such claims as mere speculation and stating that the party will handle its ticket announcements in due course.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is preparing to submit a no-case plea in his ongoing wiretapping trial following the Department of State Services (DSS) decision to rest its case at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The DSS had charged the former governor with five counts, including unlawful communication interception and threats to national security, stemming from his February interview on Arise Television where he claimed to have intercepted a call involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu regarding his own potential arrest.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
During Tuesday’s proceedings, DSS counsel Oluwole Aladedoye announced that the prosecution would not present further witnesses. In response, El-Rufai’s defense counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), declared the intent to file a no-case submission, asserting that the prosecution failed to produce enough evidence to warrant a formal defense. Both parties have been granted two weeks to submit their respective filings.
Additionally, the defense requested a relaxation of El-Rufai’s bail terms, labeling the current requirements—which include sureties who are Level 17 civil servants with property in Maitama or Asokoro and verification from the Kaduna State Traditional Council—as overly burdensome. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik denied the request, maintaining that qualified civil servants exist who can meet these conditions. The case has been adjourned until September 22 to address the no-case submission and move forward with the trial.
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