EFCC Clarifies Dropped Money Laundering Charges Against Bobrisky, Dismisses Bribery Allegations

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EFCC Cries Foul Over Dropped Money Laundering Charges Against Bobrissy, Dismisses Bribery Allegation

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has finally spoken on the dropped money laundering charges against Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. On Monday, September 30, 2024, the Lead Prosecutor of the EFCC, Bilikisu Bala, told a Joint Committee of the House of Representatives that dropping the charges was lawful and in full compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Speaking before the committee, which investigated allegations of corruption involving some EFCC officers and the Nigeria Correctional Service, Bala explained that the charges were withdrawn based on findings by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering. SCUML had said Bobrisky's company, Bob Express, was not a DNFIBP and so could not be prosecuted under the Money Laundering Prevention & Prohibition Act of 2022.

We initially raised six charges against Okuneye, four relating to Naira abuse and two on money laundering. The money laundering charges were based on his confessional statement that Bob Express was not registered with SCUML and was not rendering returns as required by law. But when we contacted SCUML for clarification, they told us that Bob Express was not a DNFIBP- meaning it was not subject to those provisions of the law, "Bala explained. "We could, therefore, not lawfully sustain the charges and dropped them while pursuing the four counts on Naira mutilation to which Okuneye pleaded guilty".

Bala denied popular claims of monetary inducement in the decision when he said categorically that nothing of that nature happened. "The Administration of Criminal Justice Act allows amendment of charges. We acted professionally and in line with legal processes. It is preposterous to attribute our decision to any monetary issues. Why would we write to SCUML for clarification if we didn't want to include the charges? Once they said, Bob Express has not contravened the law, there was no longer any basis to sustain the charges of money laundering."
The EFCC prosecutor urged the Committee to critically look into all allegations levied against the agency with a view to making the findings public in the interest of justice.

Speaking on the same matter to the committee, Commander Michael Nzekwe, Chief of Staff to the EFCC Chairman, assured the commitment of EFCC to issues of integrity: "We take allegations of bribery very seriously. Integrity is one of our core values, which is why we are here to present the facts about the trial of Okuneye. We want the public to know the truth."

Things took a turn for the worse when, in a viral video, Bobrisky accused the EFCC of bribing some of its officers with the sum of N15 million to withdraw charges filed against him. The case drew the interest of members of the public, many of whom questioned the transparency of the EFCC's activities.

The following critical comment has been making the rounds online and proves quite apt:
For starters, is it that you people did not do your investigation right before charging him with money laundering? Secondly, when he was charged, the whole public knew about it. Why was there no publication to announce the drop of the money laundering case when the charges were changed? Lastly, some days ago, you guys published that three officers were suspended regarding this bribery issue involving Bobrisky, but your update is now different. What is happening with your system?

"

This comment reflects what the majority are saying: that the EFCC needs to come clean and be more accountable to the people on this high-profile case, the people wanting explanations for the change in storylines and the silence that characterized the dropped charges. This case has brought into focus the need for faith and integrity in the matters before the courts, even as the EFCC has continued to try and clear its name. The verdict of the committee is awaited by both detractors and allies of the Commission.