Abuja, NIGERIA – In a stunning turn of events, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of controversial social media personality Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky. His detention occurred late Thursday night at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport as he attempted to board a KLM flight to Amsterdam. This dramatic incident unfolds alongside the news that social media activist Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, is set to face court today on charges of impersonation, amplifying tensions surrounding social media influencers in the country.
Bobrisky’s arrest comes in the wake of serious allegations he made against EFCC officials, claiming they solicited a bribe of 15 million naira to drop money laundering charges against him.
Despite repeated invitations to clarify his claims, Bobrisky failed to respond, leading the EFCC to take decisive action. An official stated that Bobrisky will be flown to Abuja for interrogation, emphasizing that serious accusations must be substantiated.
Sources indicate that his arrest stems from his failure to comply with previous summons from the commission after he accused EFCC officers of accepting a bribe of 15 million naira to drop money laundering charges against him. Although the EFCC has denied these allegations, it has established a committee to investigate the matter.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Wilson Uwajaren, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, suggested that Bobrisky could face new charges if his allegations were proven false. “One can be charged for giving false information to the EFCC, let alone making false allegations against the commission,” he stated.
An insider within the EFCC revealed that Bobrisky’s arrest was necessary to compel him to substantiate his claims. “He accused us of bribery and corruption; we invited him several times, but he did not show up. He who alleges must be ready to prove,” the source explained. “His allegations are too serious to ignore.”
“Also, remember that he has also refused to show up at the National Assembly on the matter. We are left with no other choice than to pick him up so that he can substantiate his claims. And that is what we have done. “
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed Bobrisky’s arrest on Friday morning, stating, “Bobrisky is on his way to Abuja as we speak.”
As news of his arrest spread, Bobrisky took to Instagram, asserting that he sustained injuries during the altercation with immigration officials. In a post that quickly garnered widespread attention, he urged his followers for assistance: “Nigerians help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured.”
In parallel controversy, VeryDarkMan, face legal repercussions for allegedly impersonating police officers in a viral video.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed that Otse, whose real name is Martins Otse, will be arraigned today following an incident in which he donned a police uniform and humorously claimed to be a Chief Superintendent of Police of an “online division.”
The statement reads, “In response to recent developments, VDM, whose real name is Mr. Martins Otse, is set to appear in court today following allegations of impersonation related to the unauthorized use of Nigeria Police Force uniforms in a viral social media video.
“The FCT Police Command is actively handling the case, underscoring the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its symbols and preventing their misuse. Interested persons are encouraged to follow up on the proceedings as the case unfolds.”
Meanwhile, this is coming after he was taken into custody on Thursday night by the police for wearing their uniform in a viral video where he jokingly referred himself as a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) of an “online division.”
Otse’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, revealed on social media that his client was detained after honoring a police invitation. “Our client, VDM, has been detained after honouring a police invitation just like yesterday,” he stated.
Adeyanju’s comments reflect a growing frustration among supporters, who argue that the police are overreacting to Otse’s satirical content, while others contend that such impersonation undermines the integrity of law enforcement.
As both cases unfold, public sentiment remains sharply divided. Supporters of Bobrisky argue that he is a victim of a politically motivated attack, while critics of the EFCC urge for transparency and integrity within the agency. The hashtag #FreeBobrisky has begun trending, with thousands rallying for his release and questioning the legitimacy of the allegations against him.
In contrast, VeryDarkMan’s supporters maintain that his content is intended for entertainment, not deception. “VDM has always been clear about his comedic intent,” said one fan. “He is not a criminal; he is a satirist highlighting issues within our society.”
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