The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed a comprehensive investigation into allegations of bribery within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS). Although the minister did not reference any specific case, his order follows the release of a voice note by social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan. In the note, popular personality Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, claimed that his godfather, in collaboration with the Controller General of the NCS, arranged for him to serve his six-month prison sentence in a private apartment following his conviction for abusing naira notes in April.
In the viral voice note, Bobrisky alleged that after his sentencing, his godfather ensured he wouldn’t enter prison. He claimed arrangements were made for him to stay in an apartment near the prison and that a bribe of N10 million was required to facilitate the arrangement. Bobrisky also mentioned paying a N15 million bribe to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges, leaving only the naira abuse charges for which he was convicted.
Additionally, Bobrisky alleged that the rapper Falz and his father, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), reached out to help him secure a presidential pardon for N10 million. Falana, however, has denied any involvement with Bobrisky and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to VeryDarkMan, demanding a retraction of the statement and a public apology. In a letter from Falana’s legal team, it was stated that Falana has never had any contact with Bobrisky regarding any pardon or legal matters.
Reacting to the unfolding controversy, Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that no form of corruption or indiscipline would be tolerated under his leadership. He ordered an immediate investigation into the bribery allegations, stating that any misconduct within the paramilitary services under his ministry’s oversight would be dealt with severely. “We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found guilty face the full wrath of the law,” Tunji-Ojo’s media aide, Alao Babatunde, said.
The investigation will be led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, who has been tasked with submitting a thorough report on the matter. The minister assured the public that the investigation would be transparent and that appropriate disciplinary actions would follow if any personnel are found guilty.
Meanwhile, Falana’s legal team has issued a pre-action letter to VeryDarkMan, demanding a retraction and apology for the alleged defamatory statements. The letter highlights that VeryDarkMan’s social media post portrayed Falana as deceitful and suggested that he sought financial gain through his involvement in the alleged scheme with Bobrisky. Falana’s lawyers described the post as a malicious attempt to tarnish his reputation and warned that if no retraction or apology is issued within 24 hours, legal action seeking monetary damages would be pursued.
The letter also emphasized that while VeryDarkMan has the right to free expression, he is obligated to ensure the accuracy of his statements and avoid spreading baseless allegations. Falana’s legal team insists that failure to comply will result in further legal consequences.
