The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially confirmed the arrest of popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, after an attempt to flee the country.
Bobrisky was apprehended at the Seme Border in Lagos on Monday while allegedly trying to leave Nigeria.
In a statement by the NIS Public Relations Officer, DCI Kenneth Udo, Bobrisky was labeled a “person of interest” due to recent issues of public concern.
“In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, Nigeria Immigration Service NIS intercepted Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, otherwise known as Bobrisky, over an attempt to exit the country,” Udo said.
He added that Bobrisky is currently undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
It was gathered that Bobrisky, dressed in women's attire, presented his Nigerian passport for clearance at the immigration checkpoint.
His arrest caused a mild stir at the border, as security operatives jostled to catch a glimpse of the controversial figure.
An immigration officer, who spoke off the record, revealed that Bobrisky was immediately taken to the office of the Comptroller of Immigration, Seme Area Command, Mr. Abdullahi Adamu, for questioning.
Sources at the command reported that officials were awaiting further directives regarding the next steps, including the possibility of Bobrisky being handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or other relevant authorities.
Bobrisky's arrest adds to the controversies surrounding the celebrity, following his earlier conviction this year for naira abuse, for which he received a six-month jail sentence.
However, doubts about his actual time spent in prison arose after social commentator Martin Ose, popularly known as Very DarkMan, released an audio clip suggesting Bobrisky spent much of his sentence outside Kirikiri Prison. Bobrisky has since denied the allegation, calling the audio “doctored.”
As of now, Bobrisky remains in detention, awaiting further actions from the authorities.