Victoria Mbangwa
A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a lawsuit filed by popular Nigerian crossdresser, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, known as Bobrisky, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Assembly.
Bobrisky had sought damages for alleged violations of his fundamental rights, including a N200 million claim against the EFCC for causing him emotional distress and N1 billion from the National Assembly for infringing on his right to a fair hearing.
The suit stemmed from ongoing allegations involving Bobrisky’s finances, particularly a leaked audio recording by social media influencer Martins Otse. In the recording, it was suggested that Bobrisky had paid the EFCC N15 million to have money laundering charges against him dropped. Bobrisky responded by filing a case, demanding the court prevent further harassment or detention by the EFCC and National Assembly.
However, in a ruling delivered by Justice Alexander Owoeye, the court found Bobrisky’s claims to be unsupported by credible evidence. The judge stated that the applicant (Bobrisky) failed to present any valid evidence to substantiate his allegations and therefore dismissed the lawsuit, including the request for damages.
The EFCC, through its spokesman Dele Oyewale, welcomed the ruling, highlighting that Bobrisky’s claims lacked merit and did not meet the legal threshold for a successful case. Justice Owoeye concluded that the crossdresser’s accusations against both the EFCC and the National Assembly were unfounded, marking the end of the legal battle for now.
He said, “Having evaluated the evidence placed before this Court by the Applicant, it is evident that the Applicant has failed to provide credible evidence to justify the award of the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought by him.
“I hold that the claims of violation of fundamental rights against the 1st and 2nd Respondents were not made out of the affidavit evidence placed before this Court.
“The Applicant’s claims against the 1st and 2nd Respondents lack merit and are accordingly dismissed.”
