Crime
Bobrisky’s Money Laundering Charges Legally Dropped – EFCC
Amid ongoing investigations into allegations of corruption within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Correctional Service, the EFCC’s prosecutor Bilikisu Bala has confirmed that the decision to drop money laundering charges against Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was fully compliant with the law.
Bala made this clarification on Monday during a hearing before the Joint Committee of the House of Representatives.
Read Also: Ogun Restricts #FearlessInOctober Protesters To Four Designated Venues
Bala, who led the prosecution team in Okuneye’s trial, explained that the charges were dropped after the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) confirmed that Okuneye’s company, Bob Express, was not classified as a Designated Non-Financial Institution, Business, and Profession (DNFIBP).
As such, the company could not be prosecuted for violating the Money Laundering Prevention & Prohibition Act of 2022.
According to a statement from Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, Bala made these disclosures while addressing the committee on Monday.
She refuted claims made by Okuneye in a viral video, where he alleged that he had paid a N15 million bribe to EFCC officials to drop the money laundering charges.
In her address, Bala emphasized that the initial six-count charges against Okuneye included offenses related to naira abuse and money laundering.
However, the money laundering charges were based on Okuneye’s confession that his firm, Bob Express, was not registered with SCUML and was not submitting mandatory returns.
“Counts 1-4 were related to naira abuse, while counts five and six pertained to money laundering,” Bala stated.
She explained that when the EFCC sought clarification from SCUML regarding the status of Bob Express, they received confirmation that the company was not a DNFIBP. Consequently, the EFCC had no legal grounds to pursue the money laundering charges.
“We cannot lawfully sustain the charges in all sincerity. We, therefore, dropped them and relied on the four counts on naira mutilation to which Okuneye had pleaded guilty,” Bala said.
The prosecutor firmly dismissed allegations that the charges were dropped due to any financial inducement, stressing that the decision was based solely on legal grounds.
“The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) allows for the amendment of charges. It is a professional practice, and it is laughable to suggest that the decision was influenced by monetary issues,” she added.
Additionally, Bala stated that the EFCC followed the proper legal process by consulting SCUML and acted in accordance with the law once it was confirmed that Okuneye’s firm had not violated any money laundering provisions.
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Taraba State following sustained pressure mounted by its rescue teams.
The victims were identified as Otuwe Torhumba, 37; Kenneth Nyiutse, 35; and Michael Emmanuel, 27.
The Force made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in its 24-hour operational update covering security operations recorded across the country on October 2.
ALSO READ: 2027: Ogun Police Begins Early Election Security Preparations, Warns Against Political Violence
According to the Police, “Due to sustained pressure by Police rescue teams, three of five kidnapped victims — Otuwe Torhumba (37), Kenneth Nyiutse (35) and Michael Emmanuel (27) — were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
The Police said the three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the whereabouts of the remaining two victims in the operational summary.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo.
The rescue was among several operational successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force during the reporting period.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.
The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.
SEE ALSO: Benue: Police Repel Bandit Ambush, Recover Locally Fabricated Gun
According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.
The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.
According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.
They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.
The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.
SEE MORE: 2027: Ogun Police Begins Early Election Security Preparations, Warns Against Political Violence
According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”
The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.
It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.
The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.
The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
2027: Yilwatda Lists Tinubu’s Projects, Appointments as Reasons for North Central Support
Domestic Flight delays, Cancellations Compound Air Travellers’ Woes
2027 Election Might Witness Voter-Apathy as Registered Voters Shun PVC Collection
TCN Restores Power Supply to Katampe Substation After Shiroro Line Fault
2027 Elections: FG Warns Politicians Against Promises on Fuel Subsidy
PETROAN Expects Fuel Discount to Combat Inflation
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
