Controversial Nigerian cross-dresser Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has reportedly claimed to have paid N5 million upfront to an unnamed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in a bid to secure a Federal Government pardon over money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This revelation was made through an audio recording that was leaked on Monday, October 7, 2024, by social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The leaked call, allegedly made on May 16, 2024, featured Bobrisky discussing the financial details and efforts being made to obtain a pardon that could see him released early from his sentence. In the recording, Bobrisky claimed that the SAN had initially requested a sum of N10 million to facilitate the process of obtaining the pardon, but due to his financial situation, he was unable to provide the full amount. According to Bobrisky, his bank account had been frozen by the EFCC, leaving him unable to transfer the full payment.
“I’m supposed to finish my sentence by July, but if we get the amnesty, I could leave by the first week of next month,” Bobrisky was heard saying in the recording. He went on to explain that while the SAN had asked for N10 million, his account being frozen prevented him from paying the full amount. Instead, his “godfather” contributed N5 million, which was sent to the SAN two weeks prior to the conversation.
“My godfather gave me N5 million and we sent it to the SAN two weeks ago. He has already submitted the pardon request,” Bobrisky reportedly said during the call. His remarks suggest that the legal representative was actively working on securing a Federal Government pardon that would grant Bobrisky an early release from his sentence, possibly by the following month.
This leaked audio has since sparked a wave of reactions online, with many questioning the validity of the claims and expressing shock over the involvement of high-profile legal representatives in the matter. The financial aspect of the claim, particularly the payment of N5 million to an unnamed SAN, has further raised concerns about the transparency and legality of securing pardons through such means.
In a related development, last week, DAILY POST reported that Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, denied having any connection to Bobrisky. Falana, a respected legal figure in Nigeria, made it clear that he had no business dealings with the cross-dresser and that Bobrisky had never been a client of his. He also clarified that Bobrisky had only spoken to his son, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, a Nigerian rapper and actor.
Falana’s denial of any involvement in Bobrisky’s legal matters has added another layer of intrigue to the situation, as it suggests that Bobrisky may have been dealing with another SAN or that there may be some confusion regarding the parties involved in his legal defense. The denial from such a high-profile figure also raises questions about the veracity of Bobrisky’s claims regarding the N5 million payment and the involvement of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in securing his pardon.
The case has attracted significant public interest due to Bobrisky’s controversial public persona and his history of legal entanglements. As a prominent figure on social media, Bobrisky has long been known for pushing boundaries and defying societal norms, particularly with regard to gender identity and expression. His notoriety has made him a frequent subject of public discourse, and his legal troubles with the EFCC have only heightened that attention.
Money laundering charges brought against Bobrisky by the EFCC have been at the center of his legal battles in recent times. These charges stem from allegations of financial misconduct, which led to his bank accounts being frozen and his subsequent sentencing. However, with the latest revelations, it appears that Bobrisky has been working behind the scenes to secure a way out of his legal troubles through the help of powerful legal representatives.
As the story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Bobrisky’s claims about the payment to the SAN and the pending pardon request will be substantiated. Additionally, the legitimacy of the pardon process itself may come under scrutiny, particularly if it is proven that large sums of money were exchanged in an effort to secure legal leniency.
For now, Bobrisky’s supporters and critics alike are left waiting for further developments, especially as the leaked audio makes its rounds on social media. With public figures such as Femi Falana already distancing themselves from the controversy, the spotlight remains firmly on Bobrisky and the legal processes that may shape his future.
As of this moment, there has been no official response from the EFCC or the Federal Government regarding Bobrisky’s claims, nor has there been confirmation from the unnamed SAN regarding the alleged N5 million payment. It is also unclear whether the pardon request has been accepted or if any further legal actions will be taken in light of these revelations.
In the meantime, the controversy surrounding Bobrisky’s alleged efforts to secure a Federal Government pardon is likely to continue fueling public discussion, as many await the next chapter in this unfolding legal saga.
