Bobrisky’s Money Laundry: VDM Appears Before House Committee
On Monday, the Federal Government inaugurated a joint committees on investigation into the allegations of corruption and gross violations of standard operating procedures within the Nigeria Correctional Service (NcoS).
This was organised as a social media influencer, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, on Monday, told the Committee investigating allegations of corruption against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the NCoS that he would not say a word if Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky did not appear before the committee.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Committee Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, said “it was reported that during his recent incarceration, Mr. Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju (Bobrisky) was allegedly given separate accommodation outside the facility of Nigerian Correctional Service due to financial inducements of some personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service. It was also reported that some EFCC operatives demanded the sum of ₦15 Million Naira as a bribe to give Mr. Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju (Bobrisky) what is termed, ‘soft landing’ in his case. Worthy to note again, is another financial inducement of an alleged ₦10 Million Naira to the Falanas in their offer to Mr. Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju (Bobrisky) to facilitate his release through the Minister of Justice using Presidential pardon.
He noted that the above allegations of corruption are weighty controversy against two of the nation’s key agencies, that are symbols of national integrity, honour and discipline, hence we all must be ready to give the fullest cooperation as we try to get to the root cause or unravel the facts of the matter.”
Adding that this development is very dangerous to the image of Nigeria and democracy among the comity of nations, which calls for careful investigation, diligent analysis, and sober reflection.
Hon. Ginger promised to look sincerely at terms of reference, which should be able to expose corrupt activities and risks; need to keep the public sector honest, transparent and accountable; curb dishonest practices; and ensure public sector employees act in the public interest.
Meanwhile, at the investigative hearing, VDM arrived at the National Assembly Complex alongside with his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju to appear before the committee and shed more light on the allegation.
While Bobrisky was absent, his lawyer Averosoghene Omuvwie appeared before the committee as well as representatives of the EFCC, and NCoS.
Bobrisky’s lawyer told the Committee that his client could not honour the invitation due to Illness.
When the Committee asked Omuvwie to provide it with evidence from Bobrisky’s doctor on his ill health, the lawyer said he had no such document.
When Invited to the podium to brief the committee, VDM declined to speak further on the issue.
He stated: “I don’t know why I will be here and the person who made these allegations is not here. Bobrisky said in the voice note that there is a godfather. Maybe the godfather told him not to come. He has disrespected this committee by not coming here.
“You are already threatening me with arrest. If you detain me, I will stay in the cell. If Bobrisky is not here, I will not say anything. If I say anything, let me die.”
But members of the Committee ordered Verydarkman to return and answer questions, adopting his claims, or risk being detained by the parliament.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, said VDM could not dictate to the committee.
His words: “You are not expected to dictate to us whether Bobrisky comes here or not, it is left to us to decide, we can also compel him to come before us we can invoke our powers to arrest him.
“We can summon Bobrisky to appear before us and even arrest him if necessary. Your allegations have led to the invitation of top government officials, so it’s imperative you speak to these allegations.
“You are here now to testify, I will advise you to proceed don’t let anyone deceive you. To the lawyer please advise your client.”
But he firmly insisted that his lawyer would speak instead despite the committee’s threat to invoke legislative powers and order his arrest right away.
To this end, his lawyer, Adeyanju prevailed on him to address the committee.