The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has provided more details on the recent arrest of popular cross-dresser and social media influencer, Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky. According to the NIS, Bobrisky was detained while attempting to flee Nigeria via the Seme Border.
This arrest has sparked significant public interest, particularly in light of the ongoing investigations into allegations that the social media personality received special treatment while serving a six-month prison sentence earlier this year.
Bobrisky, who was convicted and sentenced to prison earlier in 2024, is now a “person of interest” in a broader investigation, according to the Service Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo. “In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, NIS intercepted Okuneye otherwise known as Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to exit the country,” Udo explained.
He said; “In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, NIS intercepted Okuneye otherwise known as Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to exit the country.
“The Service wishes to inform the public that Okuneye is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern. He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
“The Service assures the public that it will continue to be civil and professional in its statutory responsibility of manning the country’s borders.”
The social media influencer, Martins Otse, who is known online as VeryDarkMan, had earlier shared news of Bobrisky’s arrest via his Instagram page.
VDM claimed that the arrest was linked to Bobrisky’s alleged attempt to evade an ongoing investigation by the House of Representatives. According to VDM, Bobrisky is suspected of trying to escape to Benin Republic to avoid further questioning.
Otse also pointed out that Bobrisky had previously been invited to answer questions about leaked audio recordings in which he allegedly confessed to bribing prison officials to avoid full imprisonment.
Additionally, Bobrisky was implicated in a separate money laundering case, which was reportedly dropped by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a related development, a panel set up to investigate claims that Bobrisky received special privileges during his prison sentence has submitted its findings. The panel dismissed accusations that Bobrisky was kept out of the custodial centre during his imprisonment but confirmed that he did enjoy several comforts that other inmates did not.
The panel’s report revealed that Bobrisky was housed in a specially furnished single cell. He had access to a humidifier, a television, a fridge, and was allowed regular visits from friends and family.
His visitors were received in the office of the officer in charge of the custodial centre, a luxury that is not typically granted to regular inmates. Furthermore, Bobrisky reportedly had a designated inmate to run errands for him, and he was permitted to feed himself rather than rely on standard prison meals.
Despite these privileges, the panel stated that there was no evidence to support claims that Bobrisky slept outside the prison during his sentence, which lasted from April 12, 2024, to August 5, 2024.
The committee also noted discrepancies in the documentation regarding Bobrisky’s transfer between different prison facilities in Lagos. His transfers were allegedly not properly documented until months later, with the records being backdated, in violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s standing orders.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has assured the public that the report will not be ignored and that those found guilty of misconduct will face the consequences. “We will make the report public as I had promised before and we will follow it up with actions,” he said, stressing that the days of impunity in the Nigerian correctional system are over.
