Controversial cross-dresser Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, claimed to have paid N5 million upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to secure a Federal Government pardon for money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bobrisky alleged that the SAN demanded N10 million but stated he was unable to raise the full amount because his account had been frozen by the EFCC.
This revelation came through a video posted by popular social media influencer, Martins Otse, a.k.a. VeryDarkMan (VDM), on Monday, October 7, 2024. According to VDM, the call recording was made on May 16, 2024.
Bobrisky explained that his godfather came to his aid by paying the initial N5 million. However, he noted that he could not request further financial assistance, as his godfather had already arranged for him to stay in a well-furnished apartment near the prison.
Bobrisky also clarified that he was not in prison, contrary to widespread rumors. He admitted, โTruth be told, I wonโt lie to you, youโre my person. Iโm not in prison, but Iโm around there. They got me an apartment because of my godfather. My godfather was able to say, โNever, you will not smell that prison.โ Let the world think that, but you will never.โ
He added, โSo, he [his godfather] was able to talk to the Deputy Controller in Nigeria, and he said that as long as Bob is not posting or saying anything, they can put me close to the place so I can always come inside, see people, and welcome my family. Nobody needs to know.โ
Bobrisky revealed that efforts were being made to secure a pardon to expedite his release. โIโm supposed to finish my sentence by July, but if we get the amnesty, I could leave by the first week of next month. The SAN asked for N10 million, which I could have transferred, but my account is frozen. My godfather gave me N5 million, and we sent it to the SAN two weeks ago. He has already submitted the pardon request.โ
He further disclosed that his living situation had been arranged by his godfather with the help of the Deputy Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Bobrisky stated, โThey were worried about putting me in a male facility due to the risk of harassment, so they arranged for me to stay nearby, as long as I donโt post or say anything.โ
This revelation follows an earlier claim by Bobrisky that EFCC operatives had demanded and received N15 million to drop the money laundering charges against him. He also alleged that his godfather, along with the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, arranged for him to serve a six-month sentence in a private apartment rather than in prison.