The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Monday evening confirmed the arrest of crossdresser Idris Okuneye alias Bobrisky.
A statement signed by the spokesman of NIS Kenneth Udo said immigration officers intercepted Bobrisky at the Sème Border while trying to flee the country earlier in the day.
“The Service wishes to inform the public that OKUNEYE IDRIS is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern,” the statement said.
“In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) intercepted Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju otherwise known as Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to exit the country.
“He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
“The Service assures the public that it will continue to be civil and professional in its statutory responsibility of manning the country’s borders.”
Bobrisky has been under investigation by a committee of the House of Representatives, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The allegations centre on bribery and misconduct.
Earlier on Monday, social media personality VeryDarkMan posted a video on Instagram stating that Bobrisky had been arrested.
According to him, the crossdresser attempted to flee to Benin Republic to avoid appearing at the House of Representatives’ investigative hearing.
Bobrisky was scheduled to appear before lawmakers on Monday.
The hearing stems from a leaked audio recording shared by VeryDarkMan in which Bobrisky allegedly admitted to paying N15 million to EFCC officials to drop money laundering charges against him.
Bobrisky also allegedly claimed that despite being convicted for naira abuse he avoided serving a six-month jail sentence at the Kirikiri facility due to the influence of a “godfather”.
Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan were to appear before lawmakers for questioning on September 30. While VeryDarkMan was present, Bobrisky was represented by his lawyer.