The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended and placed under custody the controversial figure known as Idris Okuneye, popularly referred to as Bobrisky. The arrest was made in connection with accusations involving the misuse of Nigerian currency, specifically relating to the spraying and mutilation of naira notes. This arrest comes amidst a series of controversies surrounding Bobrisky in recent weeks.
The arrest took place in Lagos on Wednesday evening, and Bobrisky has been held at the Lagos Command of the EFCC since then. Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, confirmed the arrest and stated that Bobrisky would face legal proceedings.
Oyewale emphasized, “Bobrisky is currently under our custody. He was apprehended last night in Lagos and is being held at our Lagos command. He is being detained on allegations of abusing naira notes, engaging in the spraying of naira notes, and involvement in currency mutilation, among other charges.”
In a press release titled “EFCC Grills Bobrisky for Naira Abuse,” shared across its social media platforms, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced its initiation of an investigation into Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for alleged involvement in the spraying of Naira notes.
The EFCC’s interest in Bobrisky was piqued after a video surfaced showing him reportedly spraying and displaying large sums of new Naira notes during the premiere of the movie “Ajakaju,” produced by Eniola Ajao, a prominent figure in the Nollywood industry. The incident took place at Filmhouse Circle Mall, located in Lekki, Lagos, on March 24, 2024.
Following the circulation of the video, the EFCC extended an invitation to the 31-year-old personality for questioning. Bobrisky duly presented himself at the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC on the morning of Wednesday, April 4, 2024, where he willingly provided statements during the interrogation process.
Later that day, Bobrisky was escorted to the Federal High Court in Lagos for his arraignment on charges related to money laundering and the abuse of the Naira. Initially faced with a six-count charge, negotiations between the involved parties led to the dropping of two of the charges.
This series of events underscores the EFCC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system and enforcing regulations against currency abuse. Bobrisky’s involvement in such activities has drawn significant attention and scrutiny, prompting legal action to address these allegations of financial impropriety.
Consequently, Justice Abimbola Awogboro dismissed counts five and six from the charges. Subsequently, Bobrisky faced charges one through four, to which he pleaded guilty. Upon being questioned about his understanding of the charges, Bobrisky affirmed his guilt by stating, “Yes, I am guilty.”
The first four charges primarily focus on the misuse of the Naira, while the final two charges relate to alleged involvement in money laundering. According to the charge sheet presented by EFCC Prosecutor, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rotimi Oyedepo, in collaboration with seven other legal representatives, Bobrisky stands accused in the following manner:
In the first count, Bobrisky is alleged to have interfered with the sum of N400,000 by dispersing it while dancing at a social gathering held at the IMAX Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos. This action is said to contravene Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007 and occurred on March 24, 2024.
Count two accuses Bobrisky of a similar offense between July and August 2023 at Aja Junction, Ikorodu, where he reportedly dispersed a sum of N50,000 while participating in a social event.
Count three asserts that in December 2023 at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja, Bobrisky engaged in the dispersal and interference of another sum of N20,000 while dancing.
Count four alleges that Bobrisky repeated this behavior by dispersing and interfering with another sum of N20,000 while dancing at another event in Oniru, Victoria Island.
Count five alleges that Bobrisky, operating under the business name Bob Express, neglected to furnish the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering with a declaration of the company’s activities between September 1, 2021, and April 4, 2024, in Lagos. During this period, a total of N127.7 million was deposited into Bob Express’s Ecobank account. This failure to submit the required declaration is considered an offense according to Section 6(1)(a) and Section 19(1)(f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and is punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.
Count five alleges that Bobrisky, operating under the business name Bob Express, neglected to furnish the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering with a declaration of the company’s activities between September 1, 2021, and April 4, 2024, in Lagos. During this period, a total of N127.7 million was deposited into Bob Express’s Ecobank account. This failure to submit the required declaration is considered an offense according to Section 6(1)(a) and Section 19(1)(f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and is punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.
This development marks another chapter in the ongoing saga surrounding Bobrisky, whose actions have frequently sparked controversy and public debate. The EFCC’s decision to detain and pursue legal action against Bobrisky underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating these allegations of financial misconduct and currency abuse.
Sources
- https://www.channelstv.com/2024/04/05/bobrisky-arraigned-pleads-guilty-to-naira-abuse/amp/
- https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/683570-im-not-aware-of-the-law-i-wish-i-could-be-given-a-second-chance-to-use-my-platform-to-educate-my-followers-about-the-spraying-of-naira.html
