N400m Charges: Today, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign the controversial figure, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges of alleged money laundering.
The EFCC filed six counts against Bobrisky on Thursday, relating to money laundering and abuse of the Nigerian currency.
Bobrisky will appear before the vacation judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro.
In the charges brought by EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) and seven other lawyers, Bobrisky is accused of tampering with the sum of N400,000 by spraying it while dancing at a social event at the IMAX Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos, on March 24, 2024.
He’s also accused of similar acts involving sums of N50,000 and N20,000 at events in Aja Junction, Ikorodu, in July and August 2023, and at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja, and another event in Oniru, Victoria Island, both in December 2023.
Furthermore, the EFCC alleges that Bobrisky, operating under the name “Bob Express” between September 1, 2021, and April 4, 2024, failed to submit a declaration of the company’s activities to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, despite substantial sums totaling N127.7 million and N53 million being paid into the company’s Ecobank account during that period.
These offenses are said to contravene Sections 6(1)(a) and 19(1)(f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition) Act and are punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.
Bobrisky, who has been in EFCC detention since Wednesday night, failed to meet the administrative bail of N400m Charges offered to him on Thursday.
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EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed Bobrisky’s bail and failure to meet the conditions, stating that investigations are ongoing and he will be charged to court soon.
In a statement titled “EFCC Grills Bobrisky for Naira Abuse,” the EFCC reported that investigations revealed Bobrisky’s alleged offense of spraying and flaunting wads of new Naira notes at various events, including the premiere of a movie, Ajakaju, at Film One Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos, on March 24, 2024.
Upon invitation, Bobrisky arrived at the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC on Wednesday, April 4, 2024, for interrogation.
Sources within the EFCC stated that Bobrisky is detained in solitary confinement and has provided a statement identifying himself as ‘Idris Okuneye.’ He remains the only occupant of his cell.
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