The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has broken its silence regarding the recent arrest of convicted cross-dresser and social media personality Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. In a statement issued on Monday, NIS spokesman Kenneth Udo confirmed that Bobrisky was intercepted at the Seme Border while attempting to flee the country.
Udo explained that the arrest took place in line with the Immigration Service’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders. “In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, the NIS intercepted Idris Okuneye otherwise known as Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to exit the country,” Udo said in the statement. He further confirmed that the social media personality was being held for interrogation and would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
The statement, titled ‘Nigeria Immigration Service Intercepts Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) at Seme Border Attempting to Flee the Country,’ also indicated that Okuneye was a person of interest in an ongoing investigation related to “recent issues of public concern.” The NIS assured the public that the service would continue to act professionally and uphold its responsibility in manning the nation’s borders.
Bobrisky’s controversial legal troubles began in April 2024, when he was sentenced to six months in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos for naira mutilation. Though officially incarcerated at Kirikiri Prison, allegations surfaced suggesting that he had been moved to a private facility after only three weeks in custody. This led to widespread speculation that his early transfer and perceived preferential treatment were the result of bribery, with some claims suggesting a N15 million payment had been made to secure his release.
The controversy surrounding Bobrisky escalated further in late September 2024 when social media influencer VeryDarkMan released an audio recording that allegedly featured Bobrisky making serious claims. In the recording, Bobrisky purportedly stated that music artist Falz and his father, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, had approached him while he was in prison, seeking N10 million to help secure a presidential pardon for him.
In response, Falz and Falana issued a cease-and-desist letter on October 16, 2024, demanding that Bobrisky retract his statement and issue an apology for what they described as defamatory claims. Bobrisky, however, denied making the remarks and instead accused VeryDarkMan of being responsible for the leaked audio. He called on the Falanas to hold the activist accountable, rather than him, for the viral content.
The Nigeria Immigration Service’s confirmation of Bobrisky’s arrest at the Seme Border adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal and public drama surrounding the social media personality. As the NIS continues its investigation, many are left wondering whether this latest development will lead to further legal repercussions for Bobrisky.
In the meantime, the public awaits further updates on his case and the investigation into his actions during his brief stint in prison. The NIS, for its part, assured the public that it would “continue to be civil and professional in its statutory responsibility” as it navigates the intricacies of the ongoing case.
