The lawyer representing Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has explained his client’s absence from a scheduled hearing before the House of Representatives.
Bobrisky was expected to appear on Monday to address allegations of bribing officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges, and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to avoid serving a prison sentence.
These accusations were brought forward by social media activist Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.
During the hearing, Bobrisky’s lawyer informed lawmakers that his client was unable to attend due to health issues.
In response, the House of Representatives requested medical documentation to verify the health claims made by the lawyer.
Meanwhile, News About Nigeria reported that VeryDarkMan has disclosed how he obtained the controversial phone recording involving Bobrisky.
Otse made the revelation on Monday while appearing before a House of Representatives panel investigating bribery allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The panel, consisting of the Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions, had summoned officials from the EFCC and NCoS, following corruption allegations levelled by the blogger.
The case stems from claims made by VeryDarkMan that Bobrisky paid bribes to the agencies during a money laundering investigation linked to his high-profile naira-spraying incident in April.
VeryDarkMan initially refused to address the committee due to Bobrisky’s absence, who had sent a lawyer instead.
Despite pressure from lawmakers to proceed with his testimony, VeryDarkMan remained defiant, insisting his lawyer should speak on his behalf.
After the committee threatened to invoke its legislative powers to order his arrest, VeryDarkMan eventually relented, following his lawyer’s intervention.
In his address, VeryDarkMan explained the authenticity of the leaked audio recording, which he claims was obtained from an individual whom Bobrisky allegedly owed money.
He provided a portion of the recording to the committee, further alleging that Bobrisky had paid N15 million to the EFCC to drop money laundering charges and had spent additional millions to secure favourable treatment while in prison.
Bobrisky has since denied all allegations, while both the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service have launched investigations into the claims.
Additionally, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.
