Nigerian Bar Association Demands Investigation into Bobrisky’s Bribe Allegations
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised concerns over accusations that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accepted a ₦15 million bribe. This bribe was allegedly to drop a money laundering case involving Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. Bobrisky, a well-known figure in Nigeria, has faced several controversies, and this recent accusation has brought even more public attention.
In a statement from the NBA president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association praised the EFCC for its swift action to look into the matter. The NBA, however, has called for an independent investigation by both the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). According to the NBA, the allegations are very serious and must be thoroughly investigated to determine if the bribe was indeed paid and if similar incidents have occurred before. The NBA wants to ensure that legal proceedings in Nigeria are transparent and that justice is served fairly.
The legal body emphasized that this investigation is important to maintain public trust in the justice system. They are particularly concerned about whether the charges against defendants in criminal cases, like Bobrisky’s, could be influenced by bribes or corruption. They believe that a clear and independent inquiry will shed light on this issue and help to prevent such misconduct from happening in the future.
Additionally, the NBA has urged the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to clarify claims regarding Bobrisky’s time served in prison. Some reports have suggested that Bobrisky may not have served his sentence in a correctional facility as required by law. The NBA has requested that the NCoS provide details about the conditions under which Bobrisky served his sentence and address any potential violations of the law or court orders.
The NBA also made it clear that all individuals accused are innocent until proven guilty. However, the association insists that if any public official is found guilty of accepting a bribe or allowing Bobrisky to avoid serving his sentence, they should face the full force of the law. The NBA has called for legal actions to be taken against any officials involved in this scandal and stressed that those responsible for any wrongdoing should be held accountable.
