By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
In response to the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu’s statement regarding the arrest of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a press statement. The EFCC’s Media & Publicity head, Dele Oyewale, signed the statement, which was made available to 9News Nigeria on Friday.
The press statement expresses the EFCC’s concern over the reckless commentaries made by Chidi Odinkalu regarding Bobrisky’s arrest, characterizing them as either indicative of idleness or an abuse of power. The EFCC emphasizes that such remarks from Odinkalu are unbecoming of a former head of a significant government agency. It clarifies that Bobrisky was apprehended and brought before the Commission due to clear instances of Naira abuse, to which he has pleaded guilty.
While recognizing Odinkalu’s right to free speech as a Nigerian, the EFCC stresses that this right should be exercised with decorum and responsibility. The Commission firmly asserts its willingness to take appropriate legal action against anyone who engages in such uncivilized commentaries that undermine its lawful mandate.
The press statement concludes by warning and advising Odinkalu to express his opinions more responsibly in similar situations in the future.
Chidi Odinkalu had on Friday made a statement via his x(Twitter) account accusing the EFCC of being shameless, idle, and involved in manifest abuse of power. “I said the @officialEFCC were shameless, idle & involved in manifest #AbuseOfPower. They promptly prove me right!,” Odinaku tweeted
9News Nigeria had reported that the controversial cross-dresser, Mr Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, arrived at the Federal High Court in Lagos for his arraignment on money laundering and naira abuse allegation, on Friday.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had on Thursday filed six counts bordering on money laundering and abuse of the naira against Bobrisky.
The commission said the offence was committed on March 24, 2024.
Bobrisky was also alleged to have between July and August 2023 at Aja Junction, Ikorodu tampered with another N50,000 by spraying the same at a social event while dancing.
The anti-graft agency said in December 2023 at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja, Bobrisky also sprayed and tampered with another N20,000 while dancing.
EFCC Press Statement reads:
“Chidi Odinkalu’s Reckless Commentaries on EFCC”
“The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to some reckless commentaries made by a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu on the arrest of Idris Okuneye(a.k.a Bobrisky) by the Commission, describing it as evidence of idleness or an abuse of power.”
“The Commission views such commentaries from Odinkalu as unbecoming of a former head of a major government agency. Okuneye was arrested and arraigned by the Commission on the basis of clear cases of abuse of the Naira to which he has pleaded guilty.”
“Odinkalu has a right to free speech as a Nigerian but such a right should be exercised with decorum and responsibility. The Commission would not hesitate to take appropriate legal actions against such uncouth commentaries against its lawful mandate by anyone.”
“Odinkalu is warned and advised to ventilate his rascally opinions more responsibly in future situations.”
