Social media influencer, Martins ‘VeryDarkMan’ Otse, is back in the news, and this time it’s about a leaked audio clip that’s sent shockwaves across Nigeria.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited Otse and none other than the infamous Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, to assist in investigating some eyebrow-raising allegations. But what exactly are these allegations?
According to Otse, Bobrisky claims he bribed EFCC officials to the tune of N15 million to have his money laundering charges dropped. Yes, you read that right.
Rewind to April 2024, when Bobrisky was arrested on six counts, including money laundering and Naira mutilation. Fast forward to the trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos, where Justice Abimbola Awogboro dismissed the money laundering charges and sentenced the crossdresser to six months in prison for Naira abuse. A surprising twist, but not the last.
Despite serving time, Bobrisky is now making headlines again after VeryDarkMan released an explosive audio clip. In it, Bobrisky is heard explaining how he allegedly paid the EFCC N15 million to have his money laundering charges dropped. The influencer claims Bobrisky approached several friends to gather the sum, and here’s where the story gets murky.
Bobrisky allegedly confided in Otse about the bribe after refusing to repay one of the people who contributed to the N15 million.
In the audio, Bobrisky shares that during his investigation, he couldn’t access his bank accounts. So, what did he do? He reached out to his circle, including a man called Elele and another named Demola, to help him raise the funds.“You know I’m a big influencer,” Bobrisky says in the leaked conversation. “I couldn’t use my account because I was still under investigation. I called my friends, and they helped me gather N15 million to give the EFCC. They dropped the money laundering charges and only took me to court for Naira abuse.” It’s a claim that’s as bold as it is scandalous.
Bobrisky also admitted that after pleading guilty to the charges, his powerful connections—cue the godfather trope—arranged for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment. Yes, you heard right. He says he never actually set foot in a jail cell. Instead, he claims to have spent his time lounging in a cozy apartment, thanks to a well-connected benefactor. In his words, “They informed the guy at the apartment that their boss instructed them to keep me there and not to let me leave. The guy said he’d collect N10 million, so I had to call Elele again.”
The plot thickens as Bobrisky’s audio also brings singer Falz and his father, human rights activist Femi Falana, into the fold. According to the crossdresser, Falana Sr. approached him with a proposition to help secure a presidential pardon. The catch? N10 million would “grease the wheels” and ensure the pardon cleared his name. It’s an accusation Falana is yet to respond to. As of press time, his line remains unreachable.
In response to the shocking allegations, EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede has wasted no time. A team of investigators has been assembled, and both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan have been invited to assist with the inquiry. The public is assured that these claims will be investigated thoroughly, with results to be made public in due course.
As expected, Bobrisky has not taken these accusations lightly. In a Facebook post, he refuted all claims, calling the audio “fake” and categorically denying that he paid any bribe. “I didn’t pay any EFCC money; it is a very big lie. I served my term in full, and I came out,” he wrote.
He further added that the individual making the claims is desperate and untrustworthy. “Imagine believing someone that came out publicly to tell us that you paid hacker to track someone’s phone, which is against the law,” Bobrisky said, throwing shade at his accuser.
This saga is far from over. With allegations of bribery, corruption, and legal manipulations at play, the public awaits the results of EFCC’s investigation. For now, Bobrisky’s legacy remains entwined with controversy, and VeryDarkMan’s whistleblower status is under scrutiny.
One thing’s for sure—this drama isn’t just about a social media influencer. It’s a tangled web of power, influence, and the limits of Nigeria’s legal system. Stay tuned.
