Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, has been released from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody after denying claims in a viral audio recording that he paid a N15 million bribe to EFCC officials to have money laundering charges dropped.

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Bobrisky was detained late Thursday night at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport while preparing to board a KLM flight to Amsterdam, intending to continue to London.

Following his arrest, he took to social media to inform his followers that he had sustained injuries during the incident.

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After his detention, Bobrisky was moved to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for questioning regarding the bribery allegations.

The contentious audio, shared by social commentator Martins Otse, features Bobrisky allegedly stating that he bribed EFCC officials with N15 million to avoid legal action.

However, Bobrisky refuted the claims during a statement at the EFCC headquarters, challenging Otse to prove the authenticity of the recording.

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A source familiar with the situation revealed that Bobrisky firmly denied any financial transactions, asserting that no EFCC official had solicited a bribe from him.

“He denied everything regarding releasing money as a bribe to have the money laundering charges dropped. He insisted that nobody asked him for money at the EFCC, and he didn’t give anything to anyone,” the source stated.

EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed Bobrisky’s release but did not provide further comments on the ongoing case.

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The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government regarding its decision to withhold statutory allocations to Rivers State, following a high court ruling.

The organization cautioned that failure to comply with the court’s decision could lead to serious repercussions.

Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of INC, made this statement during the 10th Anniversary of the Ijaw Women Connect (IWC) held in Warri, Delta State.

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He emphasized the provocative nature of the court’s ruling, which ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt federal allocations to local government areas in Rivers State.

Okaba advised President Bola Tinubu to handle the situation in Rivers State with care, as it is becoming increasingly contentious.

He warned, “If the alleged persistent and discriminative assault on Governor Siminalayi Fubara continues unchecked, they will surely get what they want from the Ijaw nation.”

He further stated, “Let me use this opportunity to advise the Federal Government, led by Bola Tinubu, to be very conscious of handling and managing the crisis in Rivers State. In light of the High Court judgement stopping or renting statutory allocations to Rivers State, INC considers that as very provocative to the Niger Delta and it is also unconstitutional.”

Emphasizing the potential consequences of ongoing discrimination and intimidation, Okaba asserted, “We want to make it clear also to the entire world that if the persistence of the discriminatory attack, insult, and intimidation of the governor continues unchecked, there might be dire consequences.”

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Recalling the words of former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, he said, “If you deny the Ijaw people, even if it is 50 percent of their God-given wealth, a day will come; a day will surely come when the Ijaws will revolt back.”

He urged the Federal Government to approach the Rivers crisis with caution.

He called for calm among the Ijaw community, reassuring them that the court’s judgment would not endure.

Okaba praised the IWC for its role in supporting the Ijaw struggle and encouraged its members to continue their efforts.

His Highness Godspower Tam Oporoma, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, dismissed claims that Ijaw women were barred from discussing socio-political issues.

He stated, “In Ijaw culture, there were no norms or taboos where no woman could talk or comment on issues affecting them,” urging IWC members to remain active in socio-political matters.

Dr. Vivian Dabota Ige Elenwo, President of Ijaw Women Connect (IWC) Worldwide, expressed gratitude for the organization’s achievements in empowering Ijaw women and emphasized the importance of participation in socio-political and economic issues.

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She praised the founder of IWC, Mrs. Rosemary Aken John-Oduone, for her visionary leadership and commitment to the group’s mission.

“We want to appreciate the founder and pioneer president, Mrs. Rosemary Aken John-Oduone, for her unwavering dedication, leadership, and foresight to lay the foundation for the success of this organisation,” she said.

Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), the former Deputy Governor of Delta State, has died at the age of 77.

Born on June 5, 1947, Utuama served as Deputy Governor from 2007 to 2015 under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

He also held the position of Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice during Chief James Ibori’s administration.

Former Governor Ibori paid tribute to Utuama, expressing profound respect for his contributions.

“Professor Amos Agbe Utuama, my humble, loyal, and esteemed Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, you were my steadfast legal foundation, executing your duties with unwavering commitment. If it were within my power to halt death, I would have done so for you. Farewell, dear Professor. May your pure soul rest in eternal peace,” Ibori wrote, emphasizing Utuama’s dedication and professionalism throughout his career.

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Just last month, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had congratulated Utuama on his 77th birthday, praising him for his loyalty and commitment to the growth and unity of the state and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly in Delta Central.

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The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has refuted claims that 72 minors, who were arraigned in a Federal High Court in Abuja for treason, are being held in its custody.

In a statement released on Saturday, NCoS spokesman ACC Abubakar Umar clarified that the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019 prohibits the admission of juveniles into facilities designated for adults.

He emphasized that the Act also requires custodial centers to refuse additional inmates if they are already at full capacity.

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Umar’s statement addressed the misleading reports circulating in some media outlets, which suggested that the minors were remanded in an adult custodial facility following their arraignment before Justice Obiora Egwuatu in connection with the August #EndBadGovernance protests.

“The said report has no iota of truth as the Service operates based on best correctional and global practices,” the statement read.

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It further confirmed that none of the minors were admitted to adult facilities, reinforcing the NCoS’s commitment to upholding professionalism and human rights standards in line with the United Nations Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Juvenile Offenders.

The NCoS urged the public to disregard the inaccurate reports and reassured that the welfare of juvenile offenders remains a priority.