VeryDarkMan Has Allegedly ‘Opened Nyashes’ of EFCC Officials, Nigeria Prison, Bobrisky

Controversial Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, has publicly denied accusations that he bribed officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to avoid prosecution for money laundering.

The claims, which have sparked widespread debate, originated from social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, in a leaked audio recording that has since gone viral.

The Allegation

In the audio recording, Otse alleged that Bobrisky paid N15 million to EFCC officials to have money laundering charges against him dropped. Bobrisky had previously been arrested in April on multiple charges, including naira abuse and money laundering, following his high-profile appearance at actress Eniola Ajao’s movie premiere, where he controversially won the ‘Best Dressed Female’ award. According to the leaked conversation, Bobrisky allegedly solicited financial help from friends to gather the bribe, which was paid to EFCC operatives to drop the laundering charges, leaving him to face only the naira abuse allegations.

Otse released the recording shortly after Bobrisky reportedly refused to repay a N4 million debt to one of the friends who helped gather the funds. In the audio, Bobrisky claimed that after receiving the money, the EFCC dropped the laundering charges, and he was sentenced to six months in prison solely for naira abuse.

Bobrisky’s Response

On Wednesday, Bobrisky took to Instagram to deny the allegations. He called the leaked audio fake and labeled the claims as baseless. “My attention has been drawn to a fake voice recording circulating on the internet that I paid EFCC 15 million naira and that I was never in prison. I didn’t pay any EFCC money; it is a very big lie. I served my term in full and I came out. Discard any false information,” Bobrisky wrote.

He further dismissed the claims in the recording, reiterating that he completed his jail term at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, where he was held from March 24 until August 5. He urged his followers and the public to disregard any misinformation being spread about him.

EFCC’s Involvement

The EFCC responded swiftly to the allegations. On Tuesday night, the anti-graft agency’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, ordered an immediate investigation into the claims, particularly those related to the purported N15 million bribe. In a public statement, the EFCC emphasized its commitment to transparency and announced that both Bobrisky and Otse had been invited to assist with the investigation.

“Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has ordered an immediate investigation of alleged bribery allegations imputed to some officers of the Commission by Idris Okuneye (a.k.a Bobrisky) in a viral video. To this end, the Commission invites Okuneye and Otse to make themselves available at its Lagos Directorate to assist investigators unearth the alleged bribery,” the statement read.

The EFCC reiterated its dedication to professionalism and assured the public that the investigation would be thorough, with the findings shared in due course.

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The Leaked Audio

In the leaked audio, Bobrisky detailed how he supposedly gathered N15 million from friends to bribe EFCC officials. He claimed that due to ongoing investigations, he was unable to access his own bank accounts and had to rely on friends, including an individual named Elele, who reportedly transferred N8 million, and another friend, Demola, who sent N1 million from the U.S.

The crossdresser also claimed that he was framed following his infamous ‘Best Dressed Female’ award, which stirred controversy. He noted that after pleading guilty in court, he expected a lighter sentence, such as a fine or community service, but was instead handed a six-month jail term. He also alleged that he did not serve his term in a standard prison facility but was instead housed in a private apartment, arranged by his godfather through the Nigerian Correctional Service’s Comptroller General.

Claims of Special Treatment and Private Jail Term

The leaked audio also included shocking claims about how Bobrisky was treated during his jail term. According to the recording, Bobrisky did not spend his six-month sentence in a typical prison cell. Instead, his godfather, allegedly with help from high-ranking prison officials, arranged for him to be housed in a private apartment. Bobrisky claimed that the apartment arrangement came with a hefty price tag, and he again turned to his friend Elele, who contributed N2 million towards the N10 million required to secure the accommodation.

These revelations have further fueled speculation about corruption and favoritism within the Nigerian correctional system, with many questioning how such special treatment could be arranged for a high-profile prisoner.

The Involvement of Falz and Femi Falana

In another twist, Bobrisky’s leaked conversation also implicated Nigerian singer Falz and his father, renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, in a bid to secure a presidential pardon for him. Bobrisky alleged that Falz approached him with an offer to have his father assist in applying for a pardon from the president. According to Bobrisky, Femi Falana told him the pardon process would cost N10 million, but Bobrisky said he could not raise the required amount.

As of now, Falz and Femi Falana have not publicly commented on these claims. Efforts to reach Falana for clarification have been unsuccessful.

Investigation Ongoing

With the EFCC’s investigation underway, both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan have been formally invited to assist the commission with the inquiry. The anti-corruption agency has promised a transparent process, noting that any officers found guilty of accepting a bribe would face serious consequences.

The Nigerian Correctional Service has also initiated its own inquiry into the claims surrounding Bobrisky’s imprisonment. Abubakar Umar, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, confirmed that an investigation had been launched and pledged to update the public as more details emerged.

For now, Bobrisky maintains his innocence, asserting that the allegations are part of a coordinated effort to tarnish his image. As the investigation progresses, the public waits to see if the crossdresser’s claims of bribery and private imprisonment hold any merit.