The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has launched an extensive investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). In a statement released on Wednesday by his media aide, Babatunde Alao, the Minister denounced the alleged misconduct and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding discipline, professionalism, and integrity within the paramilitary services under his Ministry.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, stating, “The Ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found guilty face the full wrath of the law.”
A special investigative team has been appointed to ensure a thorough investigation led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. The Minister assured the public that the probe would be conducted with rigour, transparency, and impartiality, with appropriate disciplinary measures to follow for any personnel found guilty of misconduct.
The investigation follows bribery allegations made by popular Nigerian social media personality Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky. In a viral audio clip released by blogger Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky claimed to have paid ₦15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges against him.
Reacting to the allegations, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that the Commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has set up a team of investigators to examine the claims thoroughly.
Bobrisky was released from Kirikiri Correctional Centre on August 5, 2024, after serving six months for a naira abuse charge to which he pleaded guilty. The fresh bribery allegations have sparked widespread public interest, prompting the current investigations by the Ministry of Interior and the EFCC.
