Controversial Nigerian crossdresser Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, widely known as Bobrisky, the Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed two high-profile lawsuits seeking damages totaling N1.2 billion against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Assembly. The ruling, delivered by Justice Alexander Owoeye, marks a decisive moment in the ongoing saga surrounding allegations of money laundering and corruption.
The court’s decision stems from a complex legal battle that began following explosive allegations made by social media influencer Martins Otse. In a leaked audio recording that sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s social media landscape, Otse claimed that Bobrisky had paid the EFCC N15 million to suppress money laundering charges, a revelation that prompted the crossdresser to seek legal redress.
In an ambitious legal move, Bobrisky had filed two separate suits: one demanding N200 million in damages for alleged psychological trauma, and another seeking an extraordinary N1 billion from the National Assembly for purported violations of his right to a fair hearing. The suits also included requests for injunctive relief to prevent both the EFCC and the National Assembly from detaining or harassing him, as well as protection against being declared wanted.
However, Justice Owoeye’s ruling was unequivocal in its dismissal of Bobrisky’s claims. In his detailed judgment, the judge emphasized that the allegations of fundamental rights violations were not supported by credible evidence. Having evaluated the evidence placed before this Court by the Applicant, it is evident that the Applicant has failed to provide credible evidence to justify the award of the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought by him,” the judge stated.
The court’s decision hinged largely on the lack of substantial evidence to support Bobrisky’s claims of rights violations. Justice Owoeye specifically noted that the allegations against both the EFCC and the National Assembly were not sufficiently substantiated through the affidavit evidence presented to the court. This ruling effectively undermines Bobrisky’s attempts to secure both monetary compensation and protective measures against potential law enforcement actions.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale’s confirmation of the ruling on Friday adds an official stamp to what many legal observers see as a victory for the anti-corruption agency’s authority to investigate allegations of financial impropriety without fear of legal repercussions from high-profile individuals.
The dismissal of these lawsuits has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with public opinion sharply divided. While some view the ruling as a demonstration of the judiciary’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making, others see it as part of the ongoing complex relationship between celebrity culture and law enforcement in Nigeria.
This legal defeat for Bobrisky comes at a time when the intersection of social media influence and legal accountability is under increasing scrutiny in Nigeria. The case highlights the challenges faced by public figures when attempting to use legal mechanisms to shield themselves from investigation or potential prosecution.
The ruling also sets a significant precedent regarding the burden of proof required in fundamental rights cases against law enforcement agencies. By emphasizing the need for credible evidence rather than mere allegations, the court has established a clear standard for similar cases in the future.
Looking ahead, this ruling may have broader implications for how social media influencers and public figures approach their interactions with law enforcement agencies. The dismissal of such high-value lawsuits could discourage frivolous legal actions while reinforcing the importance of substantial evidence in legal proceedings.
As the dust settles on this legal battle, the attention now turns to how this ruling might affect future relationships between Nigeria’s social media celebrities and law enforcement agencies, particularly in cases involving financial investigations and allegations of corruption.
