The Nigeria Immigration Service on Monday confirmed the arrest and detention of social media personality, Okuneye Idris, otherwise known as Bobrisky.
It also confirmed that its officers intercepted Idris at the Sème border while trying to flee the country earlier in the day.
“The Service wishes to inform the public that OKUNEYE IDRIS is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern,” a statement signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, on Monday evening.
The statement is titled ‘Nigeria Immigration Service Intercepts Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) at Sème bordering attempting to flee the country.’
The controversy surrounding Bobrisky began in April 2024 when he was sentenced to six months in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos for naira abuse.
Although he was officially incarcerated at Kirikiri Prison, reports emerged later alleging that Bobrisky spent only three weeks in the facility before being discreetly moved to a private location.
This prompted widespread speculation that his early release and special treatment were facilitated through bribery, with accusations of a N15m payment made to officials to secure his transfer and preferential conditions.
The situation escalated in late September 2024, when social media influencer, VeryDarkMan, posted an audio recording allegedly involving Bobrisky.
In the leaked recording, Bobrisky purportedly claimed that music artist, Falz, and his father, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, had approached him during his imprisonment, seeking N10m to secure a presidential pardon.
In response, Falana and Falz issued a cease-and-desist letter on October 16, 2024, demanding a retraction and public apology for what they termed defamatory statements.
Bobrisky, however, denied making these claims, stating that he was not responsible for the leaked content and urging the Falanas to hold VDM accountable instead.
Meanwhile the NIS in its statement on Monday said “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.
“He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate Authorities for further action.
“The Service assures the public that it will continue to be civil and professional in its statutory responsibility of manning the Country’s Borders.”
