The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has initiated a comprehensive investigation into bribery allegations within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
This move follows a controversial voice note released by Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, in which Idris Okuneye, widely recognized as Bobrisky, claimed that arrangements had been made for him to serve a six-month sentence in a private apartment after his conviction for abusing naira notes.
While the minister did not specify any particular case, his directive underscores a commitment to addressing corruption in the service. In the voice note, Bobrisky alleged that following his sentencing in April, his godfather and the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service coordinated to keep him out of prison. rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has distanced himself from Bobrisky, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to VeryDarkMan to retract statements linking him to the case. In a letter from Falana’s legal team, it was asserted that their client has never communicated with Bobrisky regarding any purported pardon.
The voice note, which gained traction online, included Bobrisky claiming he had paid a N15 million bribe to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges against him, leaving only the naira abuse charges. He also suggested that Falz, a rap artist, and his father, lawyer Femi Falana, had offered to assist him in seeking a presidential pardon for a fee of N10 million.
In response, Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized zero tolerance for corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service. His statement, released by media aide Alao Babatunde, highlighted the need for integrity and accountability, announcing that Permanent Secretary Magdalene Ajani would lead the investigation team.
Falana’s pre-action letter to VeryDarkMan demanded an immediate retraction and apology for the allegedly defamatory statements made against him. The letter detailed how the influencer’s remarks suggested that Falana had sought to pervert justice for financial gain, significantly damaging his reputation.
The letter read, in part, that Falana’s public image as a fighter against injustice was unfairly tarnished by VeryDarkMan’s claims, which were described as “vicious” and “reckless.” The legal team stated that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it must be exercised responsibly and without malice.
Should VeryDarkMan fail to retract his statements and apologize within the stipulated timeframe, Falana’s legal counsel indicated that they would pursue all available legal remedies, including monetary damages.
