EFCC to arraign Bobrisky over alleged N180.7m laundering, abuse of N490,000

Controversial cross-dresser Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, remains in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as he faces charges of money laundering amounting to 400 million Naira. The EFCC filed six counts against Bobrisky, including charges related to money laundering and abuse of the Nigerian currency. On Friday, he is scheduled for arraignment before Justice Abimbola Awogboro at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

According to the charge sheet presented by EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) and seven other lawyers, Bobrisky is accused of tampering with a sum of 400,000 Naira by spraying it while dancing at a social event in Lagos’ IMAX Circle Mall on March 24, 2024. He is also alleged to have tampered with 50,000 Naira at Aja Junction, Ikorodu, and 20,000 Naira at White Steve Event Hall in Ikeja, both through similar actions of spraying money while dancing. Additionally, he is accused of tampering with another 20,000 Naira at an event in Oniru, Victoria Island.

Furthermore, the EFCC claims that Bobrisky, while operating under the name “Bob Express” between September 1, 2021, and April 4, 2024, failed to submit a declaration of the company’s activities to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering. During this period, a total of 127.7 million Naira and 53 million Naira were deposited into the company’s Ecobank account, for which Bobrisky allegedly did not provide the required declaration.

The charges against Bobrisky are in violation of Sections 6(1)(a) and 19(1)(f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, and he could face punishment under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.

Bobrisky has been in EFCC detention since Wednesday and has failed to meet the conditions of his administrative bail. The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that Bobrisky had been granted administrative bail but had not yet met the bail conditions.

The EFCC initiated the investigation into Bobrisky following a video report showing him spraying and flaunting large amounts of new Naira notes at the premiere of a movie in Lagos. It was discovered that he had engaged in similar actions at other event centers and parties. Bobrisky voluntarily provided his statement during the interrogation conducted by the EFCC.