The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the arrest of controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, at the Seme Border while allegedly attempting to flee the country.

In a statement issued on Monday night, NIS spokesperson DCI KT Udo described Bobrisky as a “person of interest” due to recent issues that have raised public concern. Udo stated that Bobrisky is currently undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

“The Service assures the public that it will continue to act in a civil and professional manner in the discharge of its responsibilities,” Udo added.

The arrest follows viral allegations made by blogger Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, who claimed that officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) extorted ₦15 million from Bobrisky in April during a naira-spraying incident. The money was allegedly paid to drop money laundering charges against him.

Bobrisky, who has denied these claims, was later sentenced to six months in prison but was released in August. Otse also alleged that Bobrisky paid millions of naira to secure a favourable position during his incarceration.

Following these allegations, the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) launched investigations, while the House of Representatives invited all parties involved for a probe. The Federal Government subsequently suspended several senior NCoS officers, pending the outcome of the investigation.

On 30th September 2024, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated a committee to investigate claims of gross misconduct within the NCoS. The committee submitted its findings on Monday.