Nigerian cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, finds himself at the center of a storm involving alleged bribery attempts and suicidal thoughts. The controversy erupted after social media activist VeryDarkMan released an audio recording purportedly exposing Bobrisky’s offer of N15 million to EFCC officials to drop money laundering charges.
On September 26, 2024, the Nigerian entertainment industry was rattled by explosive allegations against one of its most controversial figures. Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, released an audio recording that purportedly captures Bobrisky offering a substantial bribe to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the recording, the alleged N15 million bribe was intended to persuade the anti-graft agency to dismiss money laundering charges against Bobrisky. The cross-dresser was reportedly seeking to avoid a potential prison sentence at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos State.
In the wake of these damaging claims, Bobrisky took to social media to express his distress. In a heart-wrenching Facebook post, he wrote, “I have never in my life thought about suicide, but now it’s coming to my head seeing what human beings are doing to their fellow human just in the name you want to bring them down by force or because you don’t like them.”
The cross-dresser’s emotional outburst has raised concerns among fans and critics alike about the toll the scandal is taking on his mental health. Bobrisky added, “I don’t need no sympathy from anyone. People I might have needed sympathy from are my late parents. But who will fight for you? Friends? Haters you won.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, VeryDarkMan has hinted at possessing additional incriminating evidence against Bobrisky. In an Instagram post, he stated, “Now, let me tell you something even more interesting. I have another voice note to post, which I will share tomorrow, and it’s from a different person.”
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The social media activist is calling for a thorough investigation into the matter, claiming that high-profile individuals, including the EFCC, the Comptroller General of Prisons, and prominent lawyer Femi Falana, have been implicated in the scandal.
The mention of Femi Falana, a respected human rights attorney and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has added another layer of complexity to the case. Falana has vehemently denied any connection to Bobrisky and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to VeryDarkMan to retract his claims.
In a letter from Falana’s legal team, they assert, “We wish to state, without any fear of contradiction, that our client (Falana) has never, in his life, spoken to Bobrisky regarding his alleged pardon or on any matter whatsoever.”
VeryDarkMan has responded to the letter, maintaining that he did not defame the human rights lawyer but merely questioned his purported involvement in the matter.
This latest scandal comes on the heels of Bobrisky’s conviction for naira note abuse in April. According to the voice note shared by VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky claimed that following his conviction, his godfather, in collaboration with the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, arranged for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment.
The cross-dresser also allegedly stated that rapper Falz and his father, Falana, had approached him, offering to help secure a Federal Government pardon for a fee of ₦10 million.
The allegations have sparked a frenzy on social media platforms, with Nigerians divided in their opinions. Some express sympathy for Bobrisky, while others demand a full investigation into the claims.
Social media analyst Adebayo Ogunlesi commented, “This case highlights the power of social media in shaping public discourse. Whether the allegations are true or not, the court of public opinion is already in session.
As the story continues to develop, questions arise about the potential long-term impact on Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Entertainment lawyer Folake Adebayo notes, “This scandal could lead to increased scrutiny of celebrities’ financial dealings and their relationships with law enforcement agencies.”
The controversy surrounding Bobrisky serves as a stark reminder of the thin line between fame and infamy in the age of social media. As investigations continue, the Nigerian public eagerly awaits further developments in this unfolding drama.
