The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have confirmed the re-arrest of the popular social media influencer and crossdresser Idris Okuneye, commonly referred to as Bobrisky, in Lagos.
He was removed from a KLM flight bound for Amsterdam at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and subsequently detained by immigration officials late Thursday night while attempting to depart for London, United Kingdom.
The prominent crossdresser took to his Instagram account to inform his followers about the incident, claiming he had sustained injuries during a confrontation with the immigration officers.
Bobrisky accused the EFCC of being behind his detention.
He posted, “Nigerians help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured.”
Sources suggest that his arrest was due to his lack of response to several invitations from the commission following his accusations against the EFCC.
In a voice message circulated by the well-known social commentator Martins Otse, also referred to as VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky purportedly stated that he had paid EFCC officials N15 million to have money laundering charges against him dropped.
Although the EFCC has refuted these claims, it has formed a committee to look into the allegations.
During a press conference on Thursday, the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwajaren, indicated that Bobrisky might face additional charges from the commission if the allegations against the EFCC were proven to be false.
Uwajaren emphasized that an individual could be prosecuted for providing misleading information to the EFCC, especially for making baseless accusations against the commission.
Nonetheless, a senior official within the commission disclosed on Friday that Bobrisky was detained to verify his assertions against the EFCC.
“We have arrested him in Lagos today and will be flown to Abuja today. He accused us of bribery and corruption; we invited him severally, but he did not show up. He who alleges must be ready to prove. Those allegations are too weighty to allow slide.
“Also, remember that he has also refused to show up at the National Assembly on the matter. We are left with no other choice than to pick him up so that he can substantiate his claims. And that is what we have done,” The PUNCH quoted the source saying.
Also, when contacted on Friday morning, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed Bobrisky’s arrest.
“Bobrisky is on his way to Abuja as we speak,” he added.