PREMIUM TIMES reported that embattled crossdresser Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky, known for his extravagant lifestyle and controversies, was arrested by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) at the Seme border, Benin Republic, on Monday. .
While previous reports suggested that Bobrisky was hospitalized after complaining of breast pain while in custody, the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) has debunked these claims.
On Wednesday, Vanguard newspaper reported that the transvestite was rushed to the police hospital in Falomo, Lagos, after experiencing severe pain in his breasts while detained at the Alagbon police station.
The report alleged that Bobrisky's trip to the hospital was orchestrated to facilitate his transfer to the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) under the Lagos State Police Command, alleging that efforts were made to avoid public attention.
The Vanguard report states that Bobrisky had been transported in a police ambulance and remained on a stretcher during the trip, accompanied by a nurse and an armed officer. He also suggested that the trip to the hospital was a cover to transfer him under the pretext of a medical emergency.
FAKE
However, the Lagos FCID Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Aminat Mayegun, spoke exclusively to Newslodgeand denied the claims. When contacted on Thursday, the FCID PPRO described the health report as “false,” stating that Bobrisky was neither sick nor hospitalized.
Mayegun clarified: “We are not investigating Bobrisky; Immigration gave it to us. We saw the report about Bobrisky's hospitalization due to breast pain. As? She doesn't feel any pain in her breasts. We are responsible for him at this time. It is completely false. He does not experience any health problems. “That never happened.”
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When asked about Bobrisky's current situation and whether he would be transferred from FCID, Mayegun hinted that “updates will be coming soon,” but emphasized that for now, Bobrisky “remains under their care without any health issues.”
failed escape
Let us remember that Bobrisky's problems began on Sunday when he tried to cross the border. This newspaper reported that witnesses saw him arrive at the Seme border post in a black van around 1:30 a.m. Monday.
Although he was initially stopped by Port Health officials, he continued driving until he reached the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) checkpoint, where his passport raised suspicions.
A surveillance officer, Yusuf, noticed that the individual in the vehicle was Bobrisky, prompting further scrutiny. The immigration controller was informed and Bobrisky was taken away for questioning. The transvestite's lawyer later arrived in Seme to seek an explanation for his arrest and at 4pm (Monday) Bobrisky was transferred to Lagos for further investigation.
The NIS later confirmed Bobrisky's arrest in an Instagram post on Monday, with public relations officer Kenneth Udo stating that he was intercepted at the border because he was “a person of interest” in matters of public interest and is “under interrogation.” ”.
FG Panel, Representative Investigations
In April, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison for the mutilation of Naira, and rumors suggested he received preferential treatment, including staying in luxury accommodation outside the prison.
On Monday, a federal panel set up by the Minister of Home Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, released a report dismissing claims that Bobrisky was kept out of prison, but highlighting problems within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The panel confirmed that Bobrisky was given special privileges in custody, including a furnished single cell, restricted family visits and self-feeding arrangements, possibly due to corruption within the prison system.
The panel also found that Ben Freeman, the former controller of NCoS Lagos, ordered the transfer of Bobrisky from the Ikoyi Custody Center to the Medium Maximum Centre. While legal, the transfer documentation was retroactive and violated specific NCoS regulations. The panel recommended special provisions to handle unique cases like Bobrisky's in the future.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives Joint Committees, set up in September, visited the EFCC and Kirikiri Prison to investigate Bobrisky's detention after his April sentencing. In the video released by Channels Television, officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service welcome them.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Chinedu Ogah, questioned a prison officer, seeking clarity on where Bobrisky was taken after his court appearance and his whereabouts on specific dates. The committee chairman noted that his objective was to verify whether Bobrisky served his sentence, adding that he would present a full report to the public after reviewing the EFCC and correctional service findings.
Furthermore, the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, Ginger Onwusibe, added that although contradictions are observed, the committee will evaluate all the reports and present its findings to the National Assembly. He noted that the committee is also awaiting the outcome of an internal investigation by the NCoS, which suspended some staff.
Background
Bobrisky's arrest came while he was embroiled in multiple legal controversies. The internet sensation was accused of paying £15 million to evade money laundering charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These allegations arose when social media influencer Martins Otse, or VeryDarkMan (VDM), leaked an audio recording purportedly capturing Bobrisky admitting the payment.
The transvestite denied these accusations, claiming that the audio was manipulated. He further mentioned that notable figures such as human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, singer Falz, tried to obtain a presidential pardon for him during his stay in custody. While serving time at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, there were rumors that Bobrisky was not under normal prison conditions. He said he had access to a private apartment, possibly arranged by an influential figure.
In addition to the bribery allegations, Bobrisky remains under investigation by a House of Representatives committee, the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). He was summoned for questioning following the VDM revelations, but did not appear for health reasons.