FG Orders Full Probe into Alleged Bobrisky Bribery Scandal Involving Prison Chief

The Federal Government has ordered a full-scale investigation into allegations of corruption involving the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Haliru Nababa, following claims made by social media influencer, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

The investigation was mandated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who has emphasized the government’s zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct within its institutions. This directive was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday by the Minister’s media aide, Babatunde Alao.

The controversy erupted after an audio clip surfaced on Tuesday night, shared by influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed he had paid a N15 million bribe to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Controller General of NCoS to avoid serving a jail sentence.

In response, Minister Tunji-Ojo expressed outrage, stating that the government would not tolerate any breach of integrity within the Correctional Service. He assured the public that those found guilty of such misconduct would face severe consequences.

“The Ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law,” Tunji-Ojo said.

A special investigative team led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, has been tasked with conducting the probe. The team is expected to deliver a comprehensive report to the Ministry.

Meanwhile, Bobrisky has taken to social media to deny the allegations, dismissing the audio recording as fake. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, he wrote: “My attention has been drawn to a fake voice recording circulating on the internet that I paid EFCC 15 million naira and that I was never in prison. I didn’t pay any EFCC money; it is a very big lie. I served my term in full and I came out. Discard any false information.”

Bobrisky was released from Kirikiri Correctional Centre on August 5 after serving a six-month sentence following a Federal High Court ruling in Lagos for naira abuse. The court had sentenced him without the option of a fine in April.

As the investigation continues, the Ministry of Interior has reassured the public of a transparent and impartial process, with disciplinary actions pending against anyone found guilty.