Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has taken legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Assembly, accusing them of violating his fundamental rights. The ₦1.2 billion lawsuit follows months of controversy, including allegations of bribery, leaked audio, and multiple arrests.
Bobrisky, 33, claims the EFCC and other government agencies infringed on his rights during their investigations into alleged money laundering and bribery charges, which stemmed from a viral audio recording. The leaked tape, released by influencer Martins Otse, aka Verydarkman (VDM), accused the crossdresser of paying ₦15 million to EFCC officials to evade money laundering charges and serve his jail term in a private apartment.
Leaked Audio Sparks Investigation
The recording, which surfaced in September 2024, ignited public outrage and prompted the National Assembly to open an investigation. On September 30, Bobrisky was summoned to testify before the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions but failed to appear, citing health concerns.
The crossdresser denied the authenticity of the audio and accused VDM of blackmail. He claimed that the individual in the recording, identified as Bintin, fabricated the allegations after Bobrisky refused to date him.
Multiple Arrests and Escape Abroad
On October 21, Bobrisky was apprehended by the Nigerian Immigration Service at the Seme border while attempting to flee the country. Just days later, on November 1, he was rearrested by the EFCC at Murtala Muhammed International Airport after being removed from an Amsterdam-bound KLM flight.
Following his release, Bobrisky announced his departure from Nigeria on November 5, stating he needed to focus on his mental health and well-being.
The ₦1.2 Billion Lawsuit
On November 16, Bobrisky shared court documents dated October 10, 2024, revealing his lawsuit against the National Assembly and the EFCC. He is demanding ₦200 million from the EFCC for “psychological trauma” and ₦1 billion from the National Assembly for allegedly violating his right to a fair hearing.
Bobrisky’s legal team argued that the National Assembly acted on hearsay, relying solely on the leaked WhatsApp audio without verifying its authenticity. The lawsuit further claims that the Assembly’s actions exposed Bobrisky to public ridicule, threats, and psychological distress.
“The Applicant’s dignity was bruised, his privacy invaded, and his right to fair hearing violated,” the filing stated. The crossdresser also accused the EFCC of unlawful arrest and harassment, alleging that his removal from the KLM flight aggravated his health issues.
Denial of Bribery Claims
In a now-deleted Instagram post, Bobrisky addressed the bribery allegations, denying he ever paid ₦15 million to the EFCC. He admitted receiving ₦4 million from Bintin but claimed it was a gift, not a loan.
Bobrisky recounted his strained relationship with Bintin, alleging the man became vengeful after Bobrisky refused to date him. “He got angry and demanded I refund his money, claiming he had lent it to me. I was shocked but didn’t want to argue with him,” he said.
Public Reaction
The saga has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many questioning the authenticity of the leaked audio and the motives behind Bobrisky’s legal battle. While some view him as a victim of systemic bias, others believe his flamboyant lifestyle and controversial persona attract unnecessary attention.
As the lawsuit unfolds, all eyes remain on Bobrisky’s next move, with the outcome of his ₦1.2 billion claim likely to set a significant legal precedent.
