The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has initiated a thorough investigation into allegations of bribery within the Nigerian Correctional Service. This move was made public on Wednesday, as the minister directed officials to leave no stone unturned in examining the accusations that have surfaced. The minister’s decision was influenced by a viral voice note released by popular social media figure Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan. In this voice note, Idris Okuneye, more commonly known as Bobrisky, alleged that his six-month sentence for abusing the naira was manipulated through bribery. According to Bobrisky, his godfather, in cooperation with the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, allegedly arranged for him to serve his time in a private apartment instead of a prison cell.
Bobrisky’s claim has sparked widespread outrage, as the accusations point to deep-seated bribery and corruption within the system, further tarnishing the reputation of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Bobrisky’s statements about how he avoided prison through bribery added to the growing public distrust in Nigeria’s justice system, especially when prominent figures seem to escape the consequences of their actions. While the minister didn’t mention Bobrisky directly, the timing of the investigation suggests that this scandal prompted the probe. Bribery, as alleged in this case, strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with corruption, leading many to call for greater transparency and accountability within the country’s institutions.
Bobrisky detailed in the voice note that when he was sentenced in April for abusing the naira notes, he expected a lighter punishment, perhaps a fine or community service. However, upon receiving a prison sentence, his godfather reassured him that he wouldn’t have to endure a single day in prison. According to Bobrisky, arrangements were quickly made with the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to allow him to serve his sentence in a private apartment near the prison. He alleged that he was taken to this apartment and ordered to stay there until his sentence was completed. The apartment was guarded, and he was not permitted to leave. However, the person responsible for his stay in the apartment allegedly demanded N10 million, which forced Bobrisky to seek financial help from a contact known as Elele. Elele provided N2 million, and Bobrisky was left struggling to come up with the rest.
Beyond the bribery allegations surrounding his sentence, Bobrisky also made further claims regarding bribery within other sectors of the justice system. He alleged that he paid N15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to have money laundering charges dropped against him. According to him, this bribe successfully reduced his charges to only abuse of the naira, which led to his eventual conviction and sentence. Such accusations, if proven true, would point to rampant bribery within not just the Correctional Service but also Nigeria’s broader judicial and anti-corruption agencies.
Adding fuel to the controversy, Bobrisky further claimed that the rap musician Falz and his father, prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), contacted him offering to secure a presidential pardon in exchange for N10 million. The allegations were shocking, given Falana’s long-standing reputation as a vocal advocate for justice and human rights in Nigeria.
However, Falana wasted no time in denying any involvement in the matter. On Wednesday, through a statement issued by his lawyer, Taiwo Olawanle of Falana and Falana Chambers, Falana gave VeryDarkMan a 24-hour ultimatum to retract the statement and issue a public apology. The senior lawyer’s letter emphasized that at no time had Falana spoken to Bobrisky or offered any services related to securing a pardon. Falana’s team called the allegations false, malicious, and defamatory, warning that legal action would be taken against VeryDarkMan if the retraction was not made promptly.
Falana’s letter read in part: “We wish to state, without any fear of contradiction, that our client, Mr. Femi Falana SAN, has never, in his life, spoken to Bobrisky on his alleged pardon or on any matter whatsoever.” The letter further demanded that VeryDarkMan issue a full retraction of his statements and a public apology on all platforms where the defamatory remarks were disseminated. Falana’s legal team made it clear that they viewed the allegations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the senior lawyer’s reputation, which had been built over decades of fighting injustice in Nigeria.
The letter highlighted that while VeryDarkMan is entitled to his freedom of expression, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, this right does not extend to spreading falsehoods or damaging someone’s reputation. “You are duty bound to ensure that what you publish and disseminate is credible and factual in every material particular,” Falana’s lawyers stated. The letter concluded with a warning that if the retraction and apology were not received within 24 hours, Falana would proceed with legal action to seek damages for the harm done to his reputation.
As the controversy continued to unfold, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, took swift action by ordering a full investigation into the bribery allegations involving the Nigerian Correctional Service. Through his media aide, Alao Babatunde, the minister emphasized that corruption and indiscipline would not be tolerated under his leadership. “The Minister of Interior has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service,” Babatunde’s statement read.
Tunji-Ojo made it clear that any form of bribery or misconduct within the Correctional Service would be met with severe consequences. He condemned the alleged corrupt behavior, emphasizing that integrity, transparency, and accountability are core values that must be upheld within the paramilitary services under his ministry. He assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, promising that those found guilty of any wrongdoing would face the full extent of the law.
To oversee the investigation, the minister appointed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, to head a special team tasked with probing the bribery allegations. The minister assured Nigerians that the investigation would be impartial, and any personnel implicated in corrupt practices would be appropriately disciplined.
As Nigeria continues to battle widespread corruption, the allegations surrounding Bobrisky’s case have become a focal point of public discourse. The minister’s decision to launch an investigation into bribery within the Nigerian Correctional Service has been welcomed by many as a step in the right direction. However, it also serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted corruption that continues to plague the country’s institutions.
The broader implications of this case extend beyond Bobrisky and the Nigerian Correctional Service. It touches on the issue of bribery and corruption in the justice system as a whole, where individuals with financial power seem able to evade the consequences of their actions. For many Nigerians, this is a troubling reflection of the nation’s ongoing struggle to maintain the rule of law and ensure equal justice for all citizens, regardless of their social or financial status.
As the investigation proceeds, all eyes will be on the Ministry of Interior to see how it handles the findings and whether those involved in bribery will be held accountable. For now, the case has reignited debates around the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system and the need for reforms to prevent corruption from further eroding public trust.
Meanwhile, the legal battle between Falana and VeryDarkMan is set to unfold as both parties prepare for what could be a long and contentious court case. VeryDarkMan’s accusations against Falana have sparked a heated discussion on social media, with many calling for accountability and truth in reporting, while others question the motivations behind the accusations. As the situation develops, it is clear that the issue of bribery will remain a prominent topic in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption.