EFCC defends dropping Bobrisky’s money laundering charges, citing SCUML’s confirmation that his firm was not a DNFIBP, in compliance with ACJA
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified why money laundering charges against Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, were dropped during his trial.
On Monday, 30th September 2024, EFCC prosecutor Bilikisu Bala testified before a Joint Committee of the House of Representatives investigating allegations of corruption within the EFCC and the Nigeria Correctional Service.
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She explained that the charges were lawfully dropped in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Bala, who led the prosecution team, told the Committee that the charges were initially based on Okuneye’s confession that his firm, Bob Express, was not registered with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML).
This led to the inclusion of money laundering charges alongside Naira abuse charges. However, when SCUML confirmed that Bob Express was not a Designated Non-Financial Institution, Business and Profession (DNFIBP), the EFCC could no longer lawfully sustain the money laundering charges.
“We initially raised six charges, including Naira abuse and money laundering, after Okuneye confessed that Bob Express was not registered with SCUML. Upon confirmation from SCUML that Bob Express was not a DNFIBP, we dropped the money laundering charges and proceeded with the Naira abuse charges,” Bala stated.
The prosecutor dismissed allegations that financial inducement influenced the decision to drop the charges. She emphasised that the ACJA allows for amending charges, and it was a standard professional practice.
“There is no basis for attributing our decision to monetary inducement. We wrote to SCUML for guidance, and when they confirmed no breach of law, we had no grounds to continue with the money laundering charges,” she added.
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Commander Michael Nzekwe, Chief of Staff to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to integrity. He assured the Committee that the EFCC takes all allegations of bribery seriously, stating, “Integrity is one of our core values, and we are here to present all facts of Okuneye’s trial transparently.”
Okuneye, a former convict, had previously claimed in a viral video that he paid N15 million to unnamed EFCC officers to have the money laundering charges dropped.
Source: Read more at vanguardngr.com
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
