Controversial cross-dresser, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has claimed that he paid ₦5 million to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to secure a presidential pardon over money laundering charges leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a newly released voice note posted by social media influencer, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), on Monday, October 7, 2024, Bobrisky disclosed details of the transaction aimed at avoiding imprisonment.
According to Bobrisky, the SAN initially demanded ₦10 million to facilitate the pardon, but he was only able to raise ₦5 million due to his bank account being frozen by the EFCC.
“My godfather came through for me with the initial ₦5 million,” Bobrisky explained in the recording, which was made on May 16, 2024.
“We sent the ₦5 million to the SAN two weeks ago, and he has already submitted the pardon request.”
Bobrisky revealed that his godfather also arranged for him to stay in a well-furnished apartment near the prison rather than serve time behind bars.
“I’m not in prison, as many people believe. They got me an apartment near the facility because of my godfather,” he said.
He went on to share how his godfather influenced the arrangement, stating, “He was able to talk to the Deputy Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and they agreed to keep me nearby as long as I don’t post or say anything. I can visit family and even see people inside the prison without anyone knowing.”
Bobrisky also explained that the unusual living arrangement was due to concerns over placing him in a male facility, citing potential harassment. “They were worried about my safety in a male prison, so they arranged for this accommodation,” he added.
This revelation follows earlier claims made by Bobrisky that EFCC operatives demanded and received ₦15 million to drop the charges against him. Additionally, the cross-dresser alleged that human rights lawyer Femi Falana was involved in negotiations for a presidential pardon in exchange for ₦10 million.
As the story unfolds, the voice recording has sparked widespread reactions, with many questioning the extent of corruption within the justice system and the special treatment granted to high-profile individuals like Bobrisky.
Neither the EFCC nor the Nigerian Correctional Service has publicly commented on the allegations.
