WOMAN IN THE NEWS: Bobrisky, the ‘mummy of Lagos’ in hot soup

Within Nigeria’s tightly woven fabric of tradition and conservatism, Bobrisky defies convention and challenges the status quo, pushing boundaries of gender identity and self-expression. However, a sudden and startling turn of events has plunged the social media celebrity into a maelstrom of public attention and legal entanglements, raising concerns about law enforcement integrity and abuse of power.

RISE TO FAME

Real name Idris Okuneye, Bobrisky was born on August 31, 1991, as a male child to the family of Kunle Okuneye of blessed memory. The crossdresser, who demanded to be identified with feminine pronouns, grew up in Lagos where she attended both King’s High School and Okota High School for her secondary school education. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

In 2016, she burst onto the Nigerian media scene via Snapchat, amassing thousands of daily views and captivating audiences with her unique presence. While she initially lived off selling skin-whitening creams, her bold and controversial claims of having a wealthy male partner fetched her popularity. Despite Nigeria’s laws prohibiting same-sex relationships, Bobrisky openly flaunted luxurious gifts and expensive items purchased by her partner.

In 2019, the controversial public figure bewildered his fans after claiming to have severed her genitals in pursuit of a more feminine appearance.

“Okay, let me help you all. Those of you asking where is my [manhood], I don cut am since. What will a fine girl like me be doing with manhood? I hope I’ve answered your question,” she said in a now-deleted Instagram post.

She also took a critical shot at detractors who refused to acknowledge her feminine status, having continued to refer to her as “bro”.

“I post pictures and some people will tell me ‘You look good, bro.’ Who is your bro? I’m a beautiful girl. When I post and you want to comment, you can say ‘You look beautiful, baby girl or pretty woman’. Don’t come to my post and tell me ‘bro’. Let’s learn to respect ourselves,” she warned.

Bobrisky’s 2019 was defined by turmoil. Her purported Nollywood debut in ‘Bobrisky in Love‘ was met with criticism from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) which feared the film would promote homosexuality. Police also raided her 28th birthday celebration, sparking outrage. The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) mobilized protests against her, while the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) issued ominous threats.

In 2020, Bobrisky revealed that she opted for crossdressing to make ends meet after 25 years of being a man. The social media celebrity also talked about some of the perks she enjoys being a “woman”.

“My initial plan was that if crossdressing is okay for me, then I’ll continue it. But if not, I’ll do it as a business for a while and quit. But I’m enjoying it and I don’t even want to stop. I make so much money,” she said.

NAIRA ABUSE, JAIL TERM, AND BRIBERY ALLEGATIONS 

Bobrisky’s misfortune this year began in March. The self-proclaimed transgender was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for defacing the naira notes. She was arraigned on a six-count charge relating to naira abuse and money laundering. Bobrisky, however, pleaded guilty to the first four counts bordering on naira abuse.

On April 12, Abimbola Awogboro, a judge of the federal high court in Lagos, sentenced Bobrisky to six months in prison. The judge also ruled that the sentence was without the option of a fine, adding that the jail term commenced on March 24 — the day of her arrest. Before sentencing, the EFCC had sought Awogboro to strike out the money laundering allegations.

In a surprising move during the trial, the judge asked Bobrisky about her gender, and she replied “I am a man”. After her sentence, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) disclosed that the crossdresser was being treated like every other male inmate because “his biological features are the same”. NCoS also denied rumours that Bobrisky was being kept in “a one-bedroom flat”.

On August 5, Bobrisky was released from the Kirikiri Correctional Center. “Hello guys, it’s your Mummy of Lagos. I have missed you guys so much. I can’t wait to give you guys what you have missed,” she said in a video. Shortly after she regained freedom, Bobrisky hosted a party with friends, including a luxurious boat cruise.

She also disclosed that she received nearly N100 million in donations from celebrities such as Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Victor Osimehen, Funke Akindele, Tonto Dikeh, and Niniola.

Bobrisky’s turmoil escalated when controversial activist VeryDarkMan released a purported audio recording allegedly capturing the crossdresser boasting about bribing EFCC officials with N15 million to drop money laundering charges. But that’s not all — another audio recording surfaced, this time involving rapper Falz and his dad, Femi Falana, a renowned human rights lawyer.

In the recording, Bobrisky claimed she chatted with Falz in prison and that they tried to secure a presidential pardon for N10 million. She also alleged that her “godfather” and Haliru Nababa, the NCoS controller general, pulled strings to let her serve her six-month sentence in a private apartment instead of prison.

The self-proclaimed transgender would later deny the bribery claim, arguing that the viral recording was “fake”. The social media celebrity also insisted that “I served my term in prison”.

Bobrisky’s denial came after the anti-graft agency invited her and VeryDarkMan over the bribery allegations against its officials. Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC chairman, also ordered an immediate investigation into the allegations.

Falz seemingly validated part of VeryDarkMan’s claims in a warning letter to the activist. Through Falana & Falana Chambers, Falz claimed that Bobrisky contacted him seeking N3 million to bribe officials for a VIP prison section but he “declined the request”.

Amid bribery allegations, Bobrisky wiped her Instagram account clean, removing all photos and videos. She also disclosed she was contemplating suicide due to multiple threats and overwhelming pressure. She later demonstrated resilience, stating that she was prepared to be investigated by the EFCC.

“I am ready for any investigation without intimidation and I demand for an open investigation for the world to see. You cannot bury me because of my social media lifestyle,” she said.

Furthermore, the social media celebrity threatened a N1 billion lawsuit against VeryDarkMan for alleged defamation. She also claimed that the recording shared by the activist was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In a counter-lawsuit threat, VeryDarkMan warned that the integrity of many individuals will be compromised should the matter head to court.

On September 26, the lower legislative chamber resolved to probe the allegations against the anti-graft agency and the NCoS while the federal government also suspended two prison officials.

VeryDarkMan also testified before the house of representatives joint committee on financial crimes and reformatory institutions, where he revealed how he got the audio recording of Bobrisky.

The activist said he received the viral audio record from someone Bobrisky owed money to. He alleged that the lender provided the crossdresser with the sum of N4 million on June 19, while she was in EFCC detention.

The Abuja-based fitness expert also claimed that the crossdresser blackmailed the person she owed money to when it was time to repay “so the lender came to me with the recording”.

WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR BOB?

How the Bobrisky saga will end remains uncertain, with potential outcomes depending on ongoing investigations and legal proceedings. Falana and Falz have threatened to institute legal action against VeryDarkMan — although it remains to be seen whether Bobrsiky will be included in the lawsuit.

If it’s discovered that Bobrisky did not serve time in prison, the social media celebrity and NCoS officials involved face severe consequences. Evidence of bribery or corruption could result in criminal charges against them.

Bobrisky may face reinstatement of the original sentence, potentially with additional penalties. Investigations into the bribery and conspiracy allegations against the EFCC and prison authorities may prompt reviews of similar cases, potentially uncovering widespread corruption.

If cleared of charges, Bobrisky may emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient.