NBA calls for probe by Minister of Justice, NSA into allegations of N15m bribery in Bobrisky case against EFCC, NCoS

NBA calls for probe by Minister of Justice, NSA into allegations of N15m bribery in Bobrisky case against EFCC, NCoS

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern regarding allegations that officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accepted a N15 million bribe to dismiss a money laundering case against convicted crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky.

In a statement from its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA commended the EFCC’s decision to investigate but called for an independent inquiry by the Attorney-General and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The association labeled the allegations troubling and emphasised the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the validity of the claims and to evaluate whether bribes are influencing charges in criminal cases.

Additionally, the NBA urged the Nigerian Correctional Service to clarify claims about Bobrisky’s time served and to provide transparent information regarding his incarceration conditions.

NBA added that: “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 actions must be taken to hold them accountable.

“If it is proven that he was allowed to serve his 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.

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