Iyanda Ahmed@Ahmed

The brouhaha caused by Martins Vincent Otse porpularly known as Very Drak Man (VDM) and Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju (Bobrisky) is no longer news in Nigeria. This controversy has sparked unrest among public officials, implicated respected figures, and raised concerns about whether Nigeria’s laws and penalties are disproportionately enforced, where the poor face justice while the rich seem to get a free pass.

Indeed, this case has stirred up the dust of corruption that thrives in the country. The allegations rocking the national assembly, disturbing their peace and focus, could very well be a case of bluffing and clout-chasing. In the ever-evolving world of Nigerian entertainment and social media, few figures capture as much attention as Bobrisky. The popular cross-dresser, known for saying or doing anything to trend, has built a reputation not only for boldness but also for controversy.

Bobrisky, always at the centre of public conversation, might have found his ego bruised after allegedly being detained for six months. Perhaps, for once, things didn’t go his way, no preferential treatment, no celebrity status to shield him. While Bobrisky may deny this, the embarrassment could have triggered an attempt to reclaim public sympathy or attention. The leaked recording from VDM, where Bobrisky allegedly claims to have paid ₦15 million to the EFCC to drop money laundering charges, raises an interesting question: What if Bobrisky was simply chasing clout?

What if he was bluffing in that recording, showcasing pride to prove his importance and save himself from embarrassment? Could this be the case in this situation, one that clearly did not sit well with Martins Vincent Otse? Infuriated by his disgust for Bobrisky, VDM pointed out that he had been to prison alongside other boys and received no mercy. Why should Bobrisky be treated any differently? His anger wasn’t just directed at Bobrisky; VDM also accused the EFCC, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), as well as prominent figures like Folarin Falana, aka Falz the Bahd Guy and Femi Falana, SAN. VDM claimed that Falz and his father, Femi Falana , had attempted to secure a pardon for Bobrisky.

In the audio, a voice allegedly belonging to Bobrisky described how the EFCC collected ₦15 million from him to drop the money laundering charge against him. The voice also claimed that rather than being sent to prison, Bobrisky was taken to an apartment near the prison to "serve" his sentence.

The voice said, “On my way to prison, my godfather called and assured me I wouldn’t enter prison. He told me not to worry and said he would arrange an apartment near the prison and speak to the Controller General of Prisons in Abuja. After they spoke, I was taken back and brought to an apartment where I was told not to come out until I finished my sentence. They informed the guy at the apartment that their boss instructed them to keep me there and not to let me leave.”

While the certainty of these claims hasn’t been verified, Femi Falana has denied ever speaking to Bobrisky. This raises the question: What if the popular cross-dresser was simply chasing clout to save his pride? Yes, corruption thrives in Nigeria, and it’s possible Bobrisky received preferential treatment. After all, his gender identity and celebrity status might have posed a challenge for the correctional centre.

Even amid this potential clout-chasing, some "tea" was spilt that could contain a kernel of truth. Is justice really selective in Nigeria? And who is this powerful "godfather" behind Bobrisky?

The controversy surrounding Bobrisky and VDM raises critical questions about privilege, accountability, and the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system. If Bobrisky's claims are indeed a form of clout-chasing, it reflects not just personal ambition but also a larger societal issue where public figures may manipulate narratives to maintain their status and evade consequences. As the dust settles, the implications of this saga extend beyond individual reputations, shedding light on the systemic corruption that often allows the powerful to escape scrutiny while the less fortunate bear the brunt of the law.

Ultimately, it challenges us to consider the true cost of privilege/celebrity culture in Nigeria and the urgent need for a justice system that treats all citizens equitably, regardless of status or influence. Only time will reveal the true motives behind these allegations, but the conversation sparked by this incident is crucial in holding figures like Bobrisky accountable for their actions and demanding transparency from our institutions. As observers and participants in this unfolding narrative, we must stay vigilant and advocate for justice that truly serves all.

Chinwenwa Welson Nwokenna is a recent graduate with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Passionate about writing and content creation, she explores trending topics, offering insightful commentary on the intersections of culture, society, digital influence, and lifestyle. Her work aims to provoke thought and spark meaningful discussions on social issues and entertainment.

With experience in radio broadcasting and social media content creation, Chinwenwa brings fresh perspectives to the media landscape. She is constantly exploring new ways to communicate effectively, staying curious, and committed to learning in a fast-evolving media landscape.