Bobrisky did not stay outside prison during sentence, says investigation panel

• NIS confirms arrest of crossdresser at Seme border
An investigation panel, formed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has disclosed that popular Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, did not spend any time outside the custodial centre during his six-month imprisonment from April 12 to August 5, 2024.

The panel found that while incarcerated, Bobrisky enjoyed several privileges, including a specially furnished single cell, a humidifier, frequent visits from family and friends, access to a fridge, and the assistance of an inmate assigned to run errands for him.
Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison for currency abuse, with one-third remission.

However, social media critic Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, alleged that Bobrisky had bribed Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials to drop a money laundering charge and that a “godfather” helped him serve the sentence in a private apartment rather than in prison.

The Minister of Interior established an investigative panel, led by Permanent Secretary Magdalena Ajani, to probe these allegations.

The panel’s findings revealed no evidence that Bobrisky spent time outside the prison during his sentence, though it noted several irregularities in his transfer between custodial centres and the privileges he received.

The panel recommended the creation of clear guidelines for handling similar cases in the future to prevent discrimination based on socio-economic status.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that the Nigerian Immigration Service arrested Bobrisky on October 21, 2024, at the Seme border as he allegedly attempted to flee to the Benin Republic.

Social media reports suggest Bobrisky tried to have his international passport signed by another person before hiding in a vehicle to evade capture.

Immigration spokesperson, Kenneth Udo, a Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, who confirmed the arrest at 7: 22p.m., yesterday, noted that in keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) intercepted OkuneyeIdrisOlanrewaju otherwise known as Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to Exit the Country.

According to him, “Service wishes to inform the public that OKUNEYE IDRIS 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.”