Controversial influencer and activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has announced he possesses additional incriminating evidence against popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky. This revelation, made on September 26, 2024, has reignited the ongoing scandal surrounding Bobrisky’s alleged preferential treatment during a recent legal sentence.
As the sun set over Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling entertainment capital, VeryDarkMan took to Instagram Live to address his followers. With the city’s iconic Third Mainland Bridge visible in the background, he dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the Nigerian online community.
“Now, let me tell you something even more interesting,” VeryDarkMan began, his voice steady despite the gravity of his claims. “I have another voice note to post, which I will share tomorrow, and it’s from a different person. I want a thorough investigation into this matter because the EFCC was mentioned, the Comptroller General of Prisons was named, as well as Uncle Femi Falana and Falz. A deep investigation will reveal everything.”
The announcement came just days after VeryDarkMan shared a controversial voice note allegedly featuring Bobrisky. In that recording, the crossdresser purportedly claimed to have served a six-month sentence for naira abuse in a private apartment rather than a correctional facility.
According to the voice note shared by VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky’s unconventional sentencing arrangement was allegedly facilitated by his godfather and the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service. This claim has raised serious questions about potential corruption and preferential treatment within Nigeria’s justice system.
Social media analyst Adebayo Ogunleye commented on the situation: “If these allegations are true, it could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s criminal justice system. The idea that a high-profile individual could serve a sentence in a private apartment undermines the very concept of justice.”
Perhaps the most explosive element of this unfolding drama is the alleged involvement of Femi Falana, a renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria. According to the voice note, Bobrisky claimed that rapper Falz and his father, Falana, had approached him with an offer to secure a Federal Government pardon for a fee of ₦10 million.
These allegations have not gone unchallenged. Falana’s legal team swiftly issued a statement denying any connection to Bobrisky or the alleged pardon offer. In a strongly-worded letter to VeryDarkMan, Falana’s representatives demanded an immediate retraction and apology.
“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,” the letter asserted.
In response to the legal pressure from Falana’s team, VeryDarkMan has maintained that his intentions were not to defame the esteemed lawyer. Instead, he claims he was merely questioning Falana’s alleged involvement based on the information contained in the voice note.
“I have nothing but respect for Uncle Falana and his contributions to Nigeria’s legal landscape,” VeryDarkMan stated in a follow-up video. “My goal is to uncover the truth, not to tarnish reputations.”
This ongoing saga highlights the increasingly pivotal role social media plays in shaping public discourse and even influencing legal matters. Dr. Nnamdi Okafor, a media studies professor at the University of Lagos, offered his perspective:
What we’re witnessing is the democratization of information dissemination. For better or worse, individuals like VeryDarkMan now have platforms to share information – or misinformation – that can have real-world consequences. It’s a double-edged sword that our society is still learning to navigate.”
As Nigeria awaits the promised release of additional evidence by VeryDarkMan, the implications of this scandal continue to ripple through various sectors of society. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service have yet to issue official statements regarding the allegations.
Legal expert Chidi Anyanwu speculates on the potential outcomes: “If there’s credible evidence of corruption or preferential treatment, we could see a formal investigation launched. However, the reliability of voice notes as evidence is questionable. This case may ultimately highlight the need for clearer regulations regarding social media and its intersection with legal matters.
The court of public opinion remains split on this issue. While some Nigerians applaud VeryDarkMan for his bold approach to uncovering potential corruption, others caution against trial by social media.
Twitter user @LagosWatchdog wrote, “We need more people like VeryDarkMan who aren’t afraid to speak truth to power!” Conversely, @NaijaLegalEagle cautioned, “Let’s wait for proper investigations before jumping to conclusions. Social media witch hunts help no one.
As this story continues to unfold, one thing is clear the intersection of celebrity culture, social media influence, and Nigeria’s legal system has never been more complex or consequential. Whether VeryDarkMan’s promised evidence materializes and what it might reveal remains to be seen, but the nation watches with bated breath.
