By Solomon Odeniyi
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have re-arrested Bobrisky, the controversial Nigerian social media personality and crossdresser, in Lagos. The arrest occurred late Thursday night at Murtala Muhammed International Airport while Bobrisky was attempting to board a flight to London via Amsterdam-bound KLM.
The popular crossdresser, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, took to his Instagram to alert followers about his detention, claiming he had been injured during an altercation with immigration officers. Bobrisky alleged that the EFCC was responsible for his detention, writing, “Nigerians help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured.”
However, sources within the EFCC suggest that Bobrisky’s arrest was linked to his failure to honor several invitations by the commission. The arrest followed serious allegations he made against the EFCC, including claims that he bribed officials with N15 million to have money laundering charges dropped. While the EFCC denied the allegations, they set up a committee to investigate the matter.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Wilson Uwajaren, Director of Public Affairs for the EFCC, hinted that Bobrisky could face additional charges if the bribery allegations were found to be false. Uwajaren explained that making false allegations against the EFCC could lead to charges of giving false information to the commission.
A source close to the EFCC revealed that Bobrisky’s arrest was a direct response to his claims of bribery and corruption. “We have arrested him in Lagos today and will be flying him to Abuja. He accused us of bribery and corruption; we invited him severally, but he did not show up. He who alleges must be ready to prove. Those allegations are too weighty to allow slide,” said the source.
The source also mentioned Bobrisky’s refusal to appear before the National Assembly on the matter. “We are left with no other choice than to pick him up so that he can substantiate his claims,” the source added.
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed Bobrisky’s arrest in an interview on Friday morning.
This arrest has raised questions about the growing tension between Bobrisky and the EFCC, with the social media personality potentially facing legal consequences for his allegations if found to be unsubstantiated. As the investigation continues, the public awaits further developments.