The Nigerian Immigration on Monday confirmed that its officers intercepted Nigerian social media personality, Okuneye Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, at the Sème border while trying to flee the country earlier in the day
BAR & BENCH WATCH reports that VeryDarkMan had earlier on Monday revealed that Bobrisky was arrested at Seme Border by Immigration officers while attempting to flee Nigeria.
But the Immigration Service has kept mum over the allegation.
However, in a statement on Monday evening, signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, the Immigration Service confirmed Bobrisky’s arrest.
The statement is titled ‘Nigeria Immigration Service Intercepts Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) at Sème bordering attempting to flee the country,” saying Bobrisky is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern.
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, PUNCH reports.
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.”
