On Monday, the House of Representatives questioned officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) regarding allegations that they were bribed by controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, following his conviction and sentencing for the misuse of the naira in April.

During the hearing, both the EFCC and NCoS denied any wrongdoing. The EFCC dismissed claims that Bobrisky paid N15 million to have money laundering charges against him dropped, while the NCoS asserted that Bobrisky served his sentence at the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre, not in a private residence as rumored.

Bobrisky was convicted on April 5, 2024, by the Federal High Court in Lagos and sentenced to six months in prison for the misuse of the naira. On August 5, 2024, he was released amid allegations of receiving preferential treatment in custody due to his celebrity status.

Last week, social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, released an audio recording allegedly made by Bobrisky. In the recording, Bobrisky claimed that after his sentencing, a "godfather" worked with the Controller General of the NCoS to ensure that he served his sentence in a private apartment. The recording also alleged that Bobrisky paid N15 million to EFCC officials to drop the charges against him.

In response to these claims, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered an investigation and the immediate suspension of Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos, and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos. Additionally, the House of Representatives resolved to summon Bobrisky, VeryDarkMan, EFCC, and NCoS officials for further questioning.

During the hearing before the House Joint Committee, Anugwa stated that Bobrisky refused prison meals and opted for private food arrangements, which are permitted by law. He also explained that Bobrisky was housed separately from other inmates due to his unique physical characteristics, noting that Bobrisky had breasts, which made it difficult to assign him to a general cell.

Anugwa also addressed Bobrisky’s transfer from the Ikoyi Medium Security Custodial Centre to the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, citing media attention and security concerns as reasons for the move. When asked if the donation of chairs by Bobrisky’s friends influenced his transfer, Anugwa avoided a direct response, but stated that it is common for inmates to make donations during their time in custody.

NCoS officials insisted that Bobrisky was detained within the prison system and not in a private location. According to their records, Bobrisky was admitted to the facility on April 13, 2024, with a valid warrant, and spent 10 days at the medium-security facility before being transferred.

Assistant Controller General of the NCoS, Ben-Rabbi Freeman, added that Bobrisky was transferred to Kirikiri in his official car for security reasons.

Meanwhile, the EFCC also addressed the allegations, with its Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, explaining that money laundering charges against Bobrisky were dropped because he had already confessed to the crime. He urged the House to use its powers to ensure that corruption is thoroughly investigated and that dedicated officers are not wrongfully accused. The EFCC emphasized that without clear evidence naming specific officials involved in the alleged bribe, the accusations lacked credibility.

The Committee Chairman, Ginger Onwusibe, indicated that the individual who recorded the audio would be required to testify at the next hearing, which was adjourned without a specified date.