Nigerian authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The investigation follows claims that Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, allegedly paid N15 million in bribes to avoid prison.
Influencer Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, made the allegations public in an audio recording. In the recording, Bobrisky purportedly confessed to bribing officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Controller General of NCoS, Haliru Nababa, to secure preferential treatment and avoid incarceration.
In response, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated his media aide, Babatunde Alao, ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. Tunji-Ojo condemned the alleged misconduct, stressing that corruption, unprofessionalism, and indiscipline within the Correctional Service would not be tolerated.
“The ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability,” the minister declared. He emphasized that the investigation would leave “no stone unturned” in rooting out corruption, promising that those found guilty would face strict legal consequences.
The minister has appointed a special investigative team led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, to conduct a detailed probe. The team will submit a report on the allegations. After that, disciplinary actions will follow for any personnel involved.
Bobrisky was released from Kirikiri Correctional Centre on August 5, after reportedly spending six months in custody. As the investigation unfolds, Nigerian authorities have assured the public that the inquiry will be rigorous, transparent, and impartial.
