On Friday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, in Abuja for questioning regarding his claim of bribing EFCC officials with ₦15 million to avoid money laundering charges. The interrogation follows a viral audio recording, shared by activist Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, in which Bobrisky alleges that certain EFCC officials accepted the sum to drop the charges against him.
Sources within the EFCC disclosed that Bobrisky was flown to Abuja after failing to honor previous invitations from the commission. Upon arrival, he was reportedly interrogated for several hours and remained in custody as of Friday night. The agency had previously attempted to secure his cooperation regarding the bribery claims, but his alleged refusal to respond led to his arrest.
EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that Bobrisky could face additional charges if his allegations against the commission are proven false. “We arrested him because he did not honor our invitation. Once he tells us who collected money from him, we will release him,” Oyewale said in an interview with Saturday PUNCH. Oyewale also emphasized that the agency must investigate the claims due to their serious nature, and that Bobrisky’s arrest was lawful.
In the days leading up to his detention, Bobrisky attempted to leave the country for London but was removed from an Amsterdam-bound KLM flight at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. In a social media post, Bobrisky claimed he sustained injuries during a confrontation with immigration officers.
The EFCC denied the bribery allegations, maintaining that the initial case against Bobrisky was legally dismissed. However, the commission announced a panel to further investigate the matter following the cross-dresser’s viral audio. At a recent press briefing, Wilson Uwajaren, EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, stated that individuals could face prosecution for making false statements to the agency.
In addition, sources indicate that Bobrisky had also failed to appear before the National Assembly in relation to his claims, further prompting the EFCC’s decision to detain him.
Bobrisky remains under detention while the investigation continues, with the commission urging him to substantiate his allegations.
