The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the arrest of controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, at the Seme Border while attempting to flee the country.
The arrest, which took place earlier on Monday, has drawn significant public attention due to the ongoing controversies surrounding Bobrisky.
In a statement released by the NIS Public Relations Officer, the Service disclosed that Bobrisky was intercepted at the Seme Border, located between Nigeria and Benin Republic, as he attempted to cross into the neighboring country.
“The Service wishes to inform the public that OKUNEYE IDRIS is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern,” the statement read. It further noted that Bobrisky is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Bobrisky’s legal troubles began in April 2024, when he was sentenced to six months in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos for naira abuse.
Although Bobrisky was officially incarcerated at Kirikiri Prison, reports soon emerged claiming that he was discreetly transferred to a private location after only three weeks in the facility. These claims sparked rumors of bribery, with allegations that Bobrisky paid N15 million to secure special treatment and an early release.
The situation intensified in September 2024, when social media influencer VeryDarkMan (VDM) released an audio recording allegedly involving Bobrisky.
In the leaked audio, Bobrisky purportedly claimed that music artist Falz and his father, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, approached him during his imprisonment, seeking N10 million to secure a presidential pardon.
This led to the issuance of a cease-and-desist letter by the Falanas on October 16, 2024, demanding a retraction and public apology for what they termed as defamatory statements.
Bobrisky, however, denied making these claims, asserting that the leaked content was not from him and suggesting that VDM should be held accountable instead.
In its statement on Monday, the NIS reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding 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,” the NIS said. “He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.”
