The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the arrest of Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, at the Seme border while attempting to leave Nigeria. According to a statement from NIS spokesperson Kenneth Udo, Bobrisky was intercepted at the border in an effort to secure Nigeria’s borders. “In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) intercepted Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, otherwise known as Bobrisky, at the Seme Border over an attempt to exit the country,” Udo said.
The NIS also described Bobrisky as a “person of interest” in connection with certain public concerns. “He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate Authorities for further action,” the statement added, though the specific concerns surrounding Bobrisky were not disclosed. The NIS reiterated its commitment to professionalism in border security.
Bobrisky, a popular social media personality and influencer, was arrested during a routine passport check at the Nigerian-Benin Republic border. Sources on the ground confirmed that he was detained overnight before being returned to Lagos for further questioning. “Bobrisky has been returned to Lagos right now,” said one source. “He was arrested at midnight and detained until this morning, and he’s currently being moved to the Lagos zone of the NIS in Ikeja,” the source added, speaking on condition of anonymity.
According to sources, Bobrisky had attempted to leave the country discreetly. “He gave his passport to someone to stamp it for him, so the officer saw the name immediately among others and requested that he come down from the vehicle,” the source explained. This was when the popular social media figure was flagged by immigration officials, leading to his detention.
Bobrisky is currently the subject of several ongoing investigations by different Nigerian agencies, including the House of Representatives, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Correctional Service. These investigations involve allegations of bribery, influence-peddling, and money laundering.
One of the key developments in the investigation was a leaked audio recording, shared by social media personality Martins Ortse, known as VeryDarkMan. The recording implicated Bobrisky in a N15 million bribe allegedly paid to EFCC officials in order to have money laundering charges dropped. The speaker in the recording also claimed that Bobrisky had managed to avoid a six-month jail sentence for currency abuse due to the intervention of a powerful “godfather.”
In response to the leaked tape, Bobrisky has denied that the voice in the recording is his. He and VeryDarkMan were both summoned by the House of Representatives for questioning, but Bobrisky failed to appear. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what further actions will be taken against him in connection with the growing list of allegations.
