Bobrisky: NBA Demands Investigation Into N15m EFCC Bribery Scandal

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for an immediate probe into the N15 million bribery allegation involving crossdresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The NBA made this call on Wednesday in a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN).

This comes after Bobrisky had claimed that he bribed the EFCC with N15 million to squash the money laundering charges levelled against him by the EFCC.

The NBA President has now called for the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to launch an independent investigation of their own into the allegations.

This is despite the anti-graft agency already starting an inquest of its own into the matter.

Osigwe emphasized that the credibillity of the EFCC was on the line and it had to respond sufficiently to this matter and show transparency.

To the Nigerian Correctional Facility, Osigwe, held that, they, too, must show proof of whetehr or not Bobrisky did indeed served his/her time in a correctional facility.

“If it is proven that she was allowed to serve her 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 statement from the NBA read.

“Any person found complicit must face the full weight of the law.

 “The investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should determine whether or not there was any financial inducement by Bobrisky or anyone on her behalf in exchange for the dropping of money laundering charges against her. Any person found complicit must face the full weight of the law.

“The NBA acknowledges that all individuals and institutions accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. However, we insist that a swift and thorough investigation be carried out to establish the truth. If any public official is found culpable, appropriate legal action must be taken to hold them accountable.

“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 NBA is especially concerned with the allegation involving one of Nigeria’s foremost legal luminaries, Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, Folarin Falana, Esq. (aka FALZ). The video claims that Mr Folarin Falana reached out to Bobrisky, and his father, Femi Falana (SAN), allegedly discussed the possibility of applying for a presidential pardon for Bobrisky. We note that Femi Falana (SAN) has denied this allegation.

“It is important to note that the law allows convicts to apply for a presidential pardon under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). This provision empowers the President to grant pardons to individuals convicted of offences, subject to certain conditions and upon the recommendation of the Council of State.

Read Also: The Comedy of Yahaya Bello and the EFCC

“The NBA acknowledges that applying for a presidential pardon is a legitimate legal recourse available to any convict, as stipulated by law. However, it is crucial to clarify that such a process must follow due procedure and be devoid of any form of influence peddling or unethical practices.

“Femi Falana (SAN) is a highly respected legal practitioner known for his integrity and long-standing commitment to human rights and justice. He has, in fact, denied the allegation against him. The Nigerian Bar Association urges the public to refrain from making premature conclusions regarding Mr Falana’s or any person’s alleged involvement in these matters.

“The Nigerian Bar Association reiterates its commitment to upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law. We will continue to support all efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in our prosecutorial, law enforcement, and correctional systems. We also call for calm and restraint while investigations are carried out, and we assure the public that we will monitor these investigations closely to ensure they are conducted in a transparent and unbiased manner,” the statement read in full.

The recent comments made by Bobrisky have sparked controversy, with another audio conversation of him and a friend surfacing online, purportedly implicating Femi Falana and Folarin Falana (Falz) in a cash exchange for presidential pardon.