The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urgently called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate serious allegations that some of its officers received ₦15 million from Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky.
This comes in light of allegations that a convict paid a bribe to serve his prison sentence in a private residence rather than in a correctional facility.
However, there are claims that a bribe was demanded in exchange for a government pardon.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), President of the NBA, emphasized the need for a thorough and independent inquiry involving the Attorney General of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Furthermore, the NBA addressed the reputation of Femi Falana (SAN), a highly respected legal practitioner known for his integrity and commitment to human rights.
The NBA urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions regarding his or anyone else’s alleged participation in these matters, stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the legal profession during this investigation.
The statement reads, “The investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should determine whether or not there was any financial inducement by Bobrisky or anyone on his behalf in exchange for the dropping of money laundering charges against him. 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 actions must be taken to hold them accountable.”
Osigwe, therefore demands that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) not only respond to the allegation that Bobrisky did not serve his time in a correctional facility but also provide transparent details on the conditions under which Bobrisky served his sentence.
He noted that 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.
It said, “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.”
