Bobrisky Absent: Verydarkman Appear Before House of Reps in EFCC Bribery Inquiry
Share
Social media influencer Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, made headlines recently by appearing before the House of Representatives in Nigeria to testify regarding serious allegations of corruption involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS). Notably absent from this session was Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, who has been embroiled in controversy following claims that she bribed EFCC officials to drop money laundering charges against her.
Background of the Case
The investigation stems from a viral audio recording allegedly featuring Bobrisky, in which she purportedly admits to paying ₦15 million ($19,500) to EFCC officials. This payment was allegedly intended to secure the dismissal of money laundering charges that had led to her six-month imprisonment earlier this year for currency abuse. In this recording, Bobrisky also claimed that she was not incarcerated but rather stayed in a private apartment during her sentence, a statement that has raised eyebrows and prompted further scrutiny from authorities.
In light of these allegations, the House of Representatives formed a joint committee to probe the claims against both the EFCC and NCoS. The committee's inquiry is particularly significant given Nigeria's ongoing struggle with corruption, as highlighted by its low ranking on Transparency International's corruption index.
VeryDarkMan's Testimony
Upon his arrival at the National Assembly on September 30, VeryDarkMan expressed his reluctance to speak in Bobrisky's absence. He stated, “I don’t see why I will be here and he is not,” indicating that he would defer his testimony until Bobrisky could also present herself before the committee. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, supported this stance, emphasizing that they had substantial evidence but preferred to wait for Bobrisky’s presence before proceeding.
Despite pressure from some lawmakers who insisted he should testify regardless of Bobrisky’s absence, VeryDarkMan remained firm in his decision not to speak without her being present. This dramatic moment underscored the tension surrounding the case and highlighted the complex dynamics at play within Nigerian celebrity culture and its intersection with legal issues.
Reactions and Implications
Bobrisky has vehemently denied all allegations of bribery, labeling them as baseless and asserting that the audio recording is fabricated. She has threatened legal action against those spreading what she describes as false information. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association has called for an independent investigation into the claims against both the EFCC and NCoS, reflecting broader concerns about transparency and accountability within these institutions.
The ongoing inquiry is expected to continue over the coming days as more testimonies are anticipated. The implications of this case extend beyond individual reputations; they may also impact public trust in Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts and highlight systemic issues within its law enforcement agencies.
As this story unfolds, it remains a focal point of discussion not only in Nigeria but also among international observers keenly interested in how such high-profile cases are handled amidst widespread allegations of corruption.