The ongoing saga involving Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has taken a new twist with revelations that he purportedly paid a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) N5 million as part of efforts to secure a pardon for money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to a recent voice note shared via social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), Bobrisky disclosed in a May 16, 2024 call that the SAN initially demanded N10 million to facilitate the pardon process. However, Bobrisky’s account was frozen by the EFCC, so he could only make a partial payment, which was covered by his godfather.
Bobrisky clarified that he was not in prison, as some had speculated, but staying close to a correctional facility. He credited his godfather for arranging accommodations near the prison, preventing him from actually being incarcerated. He also mentioned that they were hoping to expedite his release through a potential pardon, with hopes of freedom by early June, rather than completing his sentence in July 2024.
Additionally, Bobrisky claimed his living arrangements were coordinated with the help of the Deputy Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, citing concerns over potential harassment in a male prison. The agreement required him to refrain from social media posting during this time.
This latest development follows earlier allegations by Bobrisky that EFCC operatives requested N15 million to drop the charges. He also implicated prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, claiming that Falana had sought a presidential pardon for N10 million.
Bobrisky’s case has continued to draw public attention, not only for the legal battles but also for the claims of influence and favors exchanged behind the scenes.
