VeryDarkMan’s Allegations Against Bobrisky, Has The Matter Been Swept Under The Carpet? Have Nigerians Moved On? —By Lanre Toluhi

Recall, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, had shared a voice note that allegedly features Bobrisky. In this audio, Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, claims that he paid the sum of N15 million to certain officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to have the money laundering charges against him dropped.

In the same audio, Bobrisky equally mentioned that a “godfather,” along with personnel from the Nigerian Correctional Service, ensured that she served her six month jail term sentence in a private apartment instead of in prison.

What is the outcome of these grave allegations? Have they been swept under the carpet? Have Nigerians moved on? Has the truth been hidden under the rock?

Institutional accountability is fundamental to a just and transparent society, underpinning public trust in governance and legal frameworks. The Bobrisky case serves as a salient example of the necessity for rigorous, impartial investigations when serious allegations arise, specifically regarding a prisoner allegedly serving their sentence outside proper confinement or receiving preferential treatment. This underscores the imperative to confront such issues directly rather than allow them to fester, as failure to do so can lead to significant and far reaching repercussions for both institutions and society as a whole.

Neglecting to have a thorough conclusive public accountability of such serious accusations can have profound ramifications that erode the integrity of governance. Primarily, such negligence results in a substantial decline in public trust. Citizens depend on institutions, particularly the judiciary and correctional facilities, to consistently uphold fairness and the rule of law. When allegations such as misconduct or improper incarceration are disregarded, it suggests that the system prioritizes privileged interests over equitable justice. This disillusionment can precipitate widespread scepticism, disengagement from civic responsibilities, and ultimately, social unrest, as individuals lose faith in the mechanisms purported to safeguard their rights.

In the absence of accountability, individuals or officials implicated in wrongdoing, whether through corruption, negligence, or abuse of authority, face no sanctions, which only encourages further violations. This leads to a bifurcated justice paradigm wherein the powerful evince accountability, while the average citizen bears the brunt of legal repercussions, exacerbating social inequality and societal discontent.

On a global scale, this type of issue not reaching a logical conclusion has serious reputational damage for this Country. This can tarnish a nation’s standing, discouraging investment and international collaboration.

The disturbing silence from the National assembly, which promised to get to the root of this matter, is suspect. This type of serious allegation exacerbates social fragmentation. As always, another missed opportunity to gain public trust. Those in Government do not realize that by embodying transparency and a commitment to justice, institutions can rebuild public trust, enhance their legitimacy, and uphold the rule of law. Accountability is not merely optional; it is essential for sustaining the social contract and ensuring the integrity of governance.

Maybe Idris Okuneye AKA Bobrisky and the said “godfather” in the said audio are bigger than Nigeria and all its public institutions.

Lanre Michael Toluhi (MLT) is a public affairs commentator and policy expert