Bobrisky arrested at Sème border while attempting to leave the country

The Nigeria Immigration Service announced on Monday that social media figure Okuneye Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, is now a person of interest in an ongoing investigation. Officers intercepted him at the Sème border while he was reportedly attempting to leave the country.

Bobrisky's legal troubles began in April 2024, when a Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced him to six months in prison for naira abuse. Though officially held at Kirikiri Prison, allegations surfaced suggesting he was transferred to a private location after just three weeks, raising suspicions of bribery involving a N15 million payment to secure this special treatment.

The situation intensified in late September when social media influencer VeryDarkMan shared an audio recording in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed that musician Falz and his father, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, sought N10 million to facilitate a presidential pardon during his imprisonment. In response, Falz and Falana issued a cease-and-desist letter on October 16, demanding a retraction and apology for what they called defamatory statements.

Bobrisky denied making those claims and urged the Falanas to hold VeryDarkMan accountable for the leak.

In a statement released by the Service's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kenneth Udo, the Nigeria Immigration Service confirmed Bobrisky's interception and labeled him a person of interest due to recent public concerns. The statement outlined that he is currently undergoing interrogation and will be turned over to the relevant authorities for further action.

Bobrisky’s situation drew further attention following a report from a panel investigating allegations of corruption within the Nigeria Correctional Service regarding his detention. Chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalena Ajani, the panel’s preliminary findings revealed no evidence that Bobrisky had spent time outside prison during his sentence from April 12 to August 5, 2024.

Uju Agomoh, a panel member and founder of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, reported that Bobrisky was transferred between different custodial facilities during his imprisonment and enjoyed various privileges, such as a furnished single cell, regular visits from family and friends, and access to amenities like a refrigerator and television.

The panel recommended that guidelines be established to address the treatment of inmates, especially regarding potential discriminatory practices based on socio-economic status. Additionally, the panel confirmed allegations against Deputy Controller of Corrections Kelvin Iloafonsi Ikechukwu, who received money in his personal account from Abdulrasheed Maina’s son, asserting this was a violation of institutional regulations.