The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, commonly known as Bobrisky, in Lagos on Wednesday night. A representative of the EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, confirmed the detention, stating it was due to the misuse of Nigerian currency, unrelated to Bobrisky’s cross-dressing lifestyle.
Oyewale clarified, “Our team apprehended him… for currency abuse… We’re not concerned with his lifestyle (as a cross-dresser). He was suspected of committing a financial crime, which led to his arrest.”
Bobrisky’s detention follows a statement from the Nigeria Police Force, indicating insufficient proof to apprehend him for same-sex activities, despite public outcry.
While demands for Bobrisky’s detention escalated after criticism from social media influencer VeryDarkMan, Nigeria’s Police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Ademola, reiterated that individuals who dress in attire typically associated with the opposite gender cannot be detained as Nigeria lacks laws against such behavior.
Ademola emphasized the necessity for substantial evidence before legal action, highlighting that while some individuals who dress in attire typically associated with the opposite gender face accusations of belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, proving such claims is challenging without credible evidence.
In Nigeria, the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill criminalizes public displays of same-sex affection and imposes prison sentences for involvement in same-sex unions or support for LGBTQ+ groups.
