N15M Bribe: Lawyer explains why Bobrisky wasn’t at the hearing

• The panel investigated allegations that Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, paid a ₦15 million bribe to the EFCC to drop his money laundering charges.

• Bobrisky’s legal team informed the panel that their client was unwell and unable to attend the hearing.

The legal representative of the well-known influencer, Bobrisky, has disclosed the reason for his absence from a scheduled appearance before a panel at the National Assembly Complex, where he was anticipated to respond to allegations regarding a ₦15 million bribe.

The panel was assembled to examine accusations that Bobrisky, whose actual name is Idris Okuneye, purportedly paid a ₦15 million bribe to the EFCC in order to have his money laundering charges dismissed.

In a statement submitted to the panel, Bobrisky’s legal team clarified that their client was experiencing health issues and was therefore unable to attend the hearing.

It is worth noting that Verydarkman declined to provide information about the recording that implicated the lifestyle influencer, while maintaining the necessity of his presence.

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Meanwhile, Bilikisu Buhari, a representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), appeared before the House of Representatives committee investigating allegations involving Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

During the session, Buhari addressed claims made by social media personality Verydarkman, who presented an audio recording allegedly featuring Bobrisky’s voice and accused the crossdresser of paying N15 million to the EFCC to drop a money laundering charge.

In response, Buhari clarified that the money laundering charges against Bobrisky were withdrawn following his court confessional statement regarding naira abuse. She emphasized that the EFCC operated within its legal framework and amended the charges based on the findings of its investigation.

Buhari firmly denied any allegations of financial inducement, stating that no bribe was accepted by any EFCC official involved in the case. She reiterated that all decisions made by the EFCC were in line with the agency’s core principles and its commitment to upholding integrity.

She also refuted Bobrisky’s claims of a Post-No-Debit restriction on his bank accounts, labeling them as false.

The Chairman of the committee, Ginger Onwusibe, added that in the next session, the individual responsible for recording the audio should be present to provide more context. Despite being invited to present evidence or identify EFCC officers who allegedly solicited a bribe, Bobrisky failed to attend the hearing.

The committee has now adjourned the session indefinitely as it continues to probe the matter further.