Audio By Carbonatix
A Nigerian investigative panel has dismissed allegations that transgender socialite Bobrisky, sentenced to six months in jail for abusing the national currency, lived in a flat outside prison and didn't serve her full term - but found she did receive other special privileges.
Bobrisky, real name Idris Okuneye, was allowed frequent visits from family and friends, had a furnished single cell, a humidifier, access to television, a fridge, and even a phone, the report sound.
She was sent to a male prison for "naira abuse" after throwing banknotes around at a film premier in April.
The court dismissed money laundering charges.
The panel was set up by the Ministry of Interior to investigate bribery claims made by social media influencer Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, who said officials had been bribed to drop money laundering charges against Bobrisky, who denied this.
Two senior prison officials were suspended over the allegations last month.
The panel, set up by the Ministry of Interior, said it would need to carry out further investigations to establish whether the privileges provided for Bobrisky "were financially motivated and based on corrupt practices by correctional officers".
- Throwing cash in the air - Nigeria's wedding dilemma
- PODCAST: Was Bobrisky jailed because of her transgender identity?
The panel added that sending Bobrisky, a first-time offender, to a maximum security facility had been a violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act.
Throwing money in the air, or "spraying" is commonly done at Nigerian weddings and other celebrations.
This is technically an offence as the notes then fall to the ground where they can be trodden on. The maximum punishment is six months in jail, however prosecutions were rare until this year.
After her release in August, a viral video of someone purported to be Bobrisky is heard alleging that she paid $9,000 (£7,000) to EFCC officials to have the money laundering charges dropped, which prompted the investigation.
It was also claimed that she had paid millions of naira to get a flat near the prison where she allegedly served her jail term.
Bobrisky, who has nearly five million followers on Instagram, denied that it was her voice in the recordings.
Latest Stories
-
Kusaal Wikimedians take local language online in 14-day digital campaign
24 minutes -
Stop interfering in each other’s roles – Bole-Bamboi MP appeals to traditional rulers for peace
40 minutes -
President Mahama to address nation in New Year message
1 hour -
Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union call for strong work ethics, economic participation in 2026 new year message
3 hours -
Crossover Joy: Churches in Ghana welcome 2026 with fire and faith
3 hours -
Traffic chaos on Accra–Kumasi Highway leaves hundreds stranded as diversions gridlock
3 hours -
Luv FM Family Party in the Park: Hundreds of families flock to Luv FM family party as more join the queue in excitement
3 hours -
Failure to resolve galamsey menace could send gov’t to opposition – Dr Asah-Asante warns
3 hours -
Leadership Lunch & Learn December edition empowers women leaders with practical insights
3 hours -
12 of the best TV shows to watch this January
4 hours -
All-inclusive Luv FM Family Party underway with colour, music, and laughter as families troop in to Rattray Park
4 hours -
Jospong Group CEO, wife support over 5,000 Ghanaians with food, cash on New Year’s Day
6 hours -
Life begins at 40: A reflection on experience and leadership
6 hours -
Maresca leaves Chelsea after turbulent end to 2025
7 hours -
NPP still hurting after 2024 loss – Justin Kodua
7 hours
