The Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation. This comes after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier invited Idris Okuneye, a.k.a. Bobrisky, and social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following their public claims regarding a N15 million bribery.
As previously reported by The Metro Newspaper, the controversy erupted after a viral video by VDM accused officers of the EFCC and NCoS of collecting N15 million to dismiss charges of money laundering against Bobrisky, and to secure favorable treatment during his alleged time in custody. The EFCC responded by inviting both parties to its Lagos office to assist in the investigation.
Nigerian musician Falz recently weighed in, demanding transparency and calling for a retraction of any misleading claims against him. Now, the Ministry of Interior has issued an official press statement directing a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The press release, signed by Babatunde Alao, SA Media and Publicity to the Minister of Interior, reads as follows:
PRESS STATEMENT
MINISTER OF INTERIOR ORDERS IMMEDIATE AND THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED BRIBERY IN THE NIGERIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICE
The Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo unequivocally condemned the alleged reprehensible behaviour, emphasizing that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, and corruption will be met with zero tolerance and severe consequences within the paramilitary services under the Ministry’s purview.
“The Ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law,” Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said.
The Minister has set up a special investigative panel headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, to probe these allegations and submit a comprehensive report. Other members of the committee include Dr. Uju Agomuoh of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation And Welfare Action (PRAWA) who will serve as the Secretary; Mrs. Eva Omatese, Director of Legal, Ministry of Interior; Mr. Usman Nasiru, Director of Joint Services, Ministry of Interior; and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo (Consultant) of The Brekete Family Show.
The Minister reassures the public that the investigation will be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, and that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against any personnel found guilty.
Signed:
Babatunde Alao
SA Media and Publicity to the Minister of Interior
With this new directive from the Minister of Interior, the investigation into the N15 million bribery allegations has expanded, aiming to uncover any potential corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service. Nigerians are watching closely as the Ministry promises a thorough and transparent process, adding a new chapter to this unfolding story.
As public attention grows, the Minister’s proactive step shows a strong stance against corruption, aligning with growing demands for justice in the country. The outcome of this investigation will be crucial for both the EFCC and NCoS, as well as for Bobrisky and VDM, who initially exposed the alleged scandal.
