EFCC Clarifies Dropping of Money Laundering Charges Against Bobrisky as Lawful and in Line with Criminal Justice Act

 On Monday, Prosecutor Bilikisu Bala, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), addressed a Joint Committee of the House of Representatives investigating corruption allegations against certain officers of the Commission and the Nigeria Correctional Service. 

Bala clarified that the decision to drop money laundering charges in the trial of Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, was lawful and fully in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). This statement was disclosed by the EFCC in an official release on September 30.

Bilikisu Bala, head of the prosecution team for Okuneye’s trial, explained to the House of Representatives that the charges were withdrawn following a disclosure from the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML). SCUML confirmed that Bobrisky's firm, Bob Express, was not classified as a Designated Non-Financial Institution, Business, or Profession (DNFIBP). As a result, the firm could not be prosecuted under the provisions of the Money Laundering Prevention & Prohibition Act of 2022.

"We initially raised six charges, which included Naira Abuse and Money Laundering, based on Okuneye's own confessions," Bala stated. She elaborated that the charges stemmed from Bobrisky’s acknowledgment that his company, Bob Express, was neither registered with SCUML nor submitting required returns. Four of the charges were related to Naira mutilation, while two were for money laundering. However, after contacting SCUML to verify the firm's status, it became evident that Bob Express was not a DNFIBP, thus invalidating the money laundering charges. "We could not lawfully sustain the charges in all sincerity, so we dropped them, focusing instead on the four counts of Naira mutilation, which Okuneye had pleaded guilty to," Bala emphasized.

Bala also firmly dismissed any speculation regarding financial inducements influencing the decision to drop the charges. She asserted that such claims were baseless. "The Administration of Criminal Justice Act allows for amendments to charges, which is standard legal practice," she explained. "It is absurd for anyone to suggest that monetary considerations played a role. We sought SCUML's guidance to ensure lawful prosecution, and when they clarified that no laws had been violated, there was no basis to maintain the money laundering charges."

Appearing alongside senior EFCC management, Bala urged the Committee to scrutinize all allegations brought against the Commission. She stressed the importance of transparency, stating, "It is in the interest of justice that the Committee’s findings be made public."

Supporting Bala's remarks, Michael Nzekwe, Chief of Staff to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to integrity. "We take accusations of bribery against our officers very seriously. Integrity is one of the core values of the EFCC," Nzekwe said. "That is why we are here today, to provide all the facts related to Okuneye's trial for public scrutiny."

Bobrisky, who had been convicted of naira abuse, claimed in a viral video that he had offered N15 million as a bribe to EFCC officers to have the money laundering charges against him dropped. However, both Bala and the EFCC refuted this claim, maintaining the legitimacy of their actions throughout the trial.