The entertainment industry and the nation have been captivated by allegations surrounding controversial cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky. Recent reports suggest that Bobrisky may have been staying in an apartment during the time he was supposed to be serving a six-month sentence at Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.
In April, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Bobrisky on charges of money laundering and Naira mutilation. The arrest occurred after he sprayed cash at the premiere of Ajakaju, a movie by Eniola Ajao, in Lekki. At the event, Bobrisky was named the best dressed female.
The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Abimbola Awogboro, sentenced him to six months in prison without the option of a fine for the offense, beginning on March 24. However, Bobrisky reappeared in public by August 5, sparking suspicions about whether he had actually served his sentence.
Social media personality Vincent Otse, aka VeryDarkMan (VDM), made waves earlier this week by releasing a voice recording in which Bobrisky allegedly confesses to staying in an apartment instead of prison. In the audio, Bobrisky claimed that popular rapper Folarin Falana, aka Falz, was trying to help him secure a presidential pardon.
Bobrisky also alleged that his godfather arranged for him to stay in a private apartment near the prison with the help of the Controller General of Prisons. According to the recording, Bobrisky never actually stepped foot in jail but stayed hidden for six months.
VDM went further by implicating both Falz and his father, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), accusing them of working behind the scenes to secure Bobrisky’s pardon. He claimed that Bobrisky paid N15 million to the EFCC to drop the money laundering charges against him.
Falz responded to the allegations through a statement issued by his father’s law chambers, denying any involvement in helping Bobrisky avoid prison. He admitted that Bobrisky reached out to him in May asking for N3 million to secure a VIP prison space, but he refused to assist.
Falz’s legal team demanded a retraction from VDM within 24 hours, threatening a lawsuit if the defamatory statements weren’t removed. The letter emphasized that VDM’s statements falsely implied that Falz had conspired with Bobrisky for financial gains and was involved in corrupt practices.
VDM has stood by his claims, refusing to apologize or retract his statements. His legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed that VDM has been receiving threats since the scandal broke and has been moving from place to place for his safety.
In response to Falz’s ultimatum, Adeyanju expressed respect for Femi Falana and hoped the legal battle wouldn’t escalate, although VDM maintains that he did not defame Falz.
The EFCC has initiated an investigation into the bribery allegations. VDM and Bobrisky have both been invited to assist in the probe. Meanwhile, the Nigerian House of Representatives also announced plans to investigate the allegations against the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
As part of the ongoing investigations, two officers at the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre have been suspended to allow for a thorough probe into their possible involvement.
In the midst of the controversy, Bobrisky’s responses have been erratic. Initially, he denied paying any bribes and insisted he had served his sentence in full. He later deleted all his Instagram posts. However, in a subsequent defiant message, he vowed to face any investigation but called for it to be conducted independently, away from the EFCC.
Adding more fuel to the fire, fellow cross-dresser James Brown claimed to have visited Bobrisky in prison. However, sources allege that Brown’s visit was not to Bobrisky but to a singer named Vindicate, with whom he collaborated on a song. Brown has yet to clarify the situation, remaining silent when pressed for details.
The scandal has caught the attention of high ranking government officials, with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, ordering a thorough investigation. The outcome of these investigations will be crucial in determining the truth behind the allegations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding drama.