The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has named controversial social media personality Okuneye Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, as a person of interest in an ongoing investigation following his interception at the Sème border while attempting to leave the country on Monday.
Bobrisky has been embroiled in a legal storm since April 2024, when he was sentenced to six months in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos for naira abuse. Initially incarcerated at Kirikiri Prison, reports later surfaced alleging that the social media star had been discreetly relocated to a private facility after just three weeks, prompting accusations of bribery and special treatment. It was alleged that N15 million had been paid to secure his transfer and preferential conditions, fueling public outrage.
The situation took a dramatic turn in late September when a social media influencer, known as VeryDarkMan, released an audio recording purportedly involving Bobrisky. In the leaked recording, Bobrisky allegedly claimed that renowned lawyer Femi Falana and his son, music artist Falz, had approached him during his detention, requesting N10 million to facilitate a presidential pardon. The Falanas swiftly responded with a cease-and-desist letter on October 16, 2024, demanding a retraction of what they called defamatory claims.
In response, Bobrisky denied making the statements, distancing himself from the leaked content and urging the Falanas to hold the influencer responsible instead.
On Monday evening, NIS spokesperson Kenneth Udo confirmed that Bobrisky had been intercepted at the Sème border while attempting to flee the country. “The Service wishes to inform the public that Okuneye Idris is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern,” Udo stated, assuring that Bobrisky would be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation.
This development follows the submission of an interim report by a panel set up to investigate corruption allegations within the Nigeria Correctional Service regarding Bobrisky’s detention. The panel, chaired by Permanent Secretary Magdalena Ajani, was tasked with examining claims that the social media star had received special privileges during his prison term.
Reading the panel’s initial findings on Monday, Uju Agomoh, Executive Director of the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, stated that there was no evidence to suggest that Bobrisky had spent time outside the prison walls during his sentence, contrary to earlier reports. However, the panel confirmed that he enjoyed several privileges, including a furnished single cell, access to a humidifier, and frequent visits from friends and family. The report raised concerns that these privileges may have been financially motivated, recommending further investigation into whether corrupt practices played a role.
The panel also highlighted the need for clearer guidelines on the treatment of high-profile inmates to avoid discriminatory practices based on socio-economic status. Agomoh noted, “Steps should be taken to prevent the obvious disparities in the treatment of inmates based on their social standing.”
While the investigation into Bobrisky’s detention continues, the panel also uncovered unrelated but troubling misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service. It was revealed that a senior correctional officer at Kuje Custodial Centre had received funds into his personal account from Abdulrasheed Maina’s son, allegedly for health and welfare purposes. The panel condemned this action as a breach of institutional regulations, calling for disciplinary measures.
As the legal drama unfolds, Bobrisky’s future remains uncertain, with both his attempted escape and the broader investigation into alleged corruption under the spotlight.