I Paid N5m Upfront To SAN For Pardon – Bobrisky

Controversial Nigerian social media personality, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has once again found himself in the spotlight, following explosive claims of bribery involving a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and efforts to secure a pardon from the Federal Government. In a voice note shared on social media by influencer Martins Otse, widely recognized as VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky detailed his attempts to navigate legal trouble stemming from charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The voice note, reportedly recorded on May 16, 2024, reveals that Bobrisky allegedly paid N5 million to a SAN in an effort to secure a pardon that could lead to an early release. The legal entanglement revolves around money laundering charges brought against him by the EFCC, which also led to his bank accounts being frozen.

In the recording, Bobrisky disclosed that the SAN initially requested N10 million for his services, but due to financial constraints caused by the frozen accounts, he was unable to pay the full amount. Bobrisky explained that his godfather stepped in to provide the N5 million needed for the SAN to begin the legal process.

"My godfather had to come to my rescue," Bobrisky said, further revealing that his benefactor also arranged for him to live in a furnished apartment near a correctional facility instead of being confined in a traditional prison cell.

“I’m not in prison, but I’m around there,” Bobrisky clarified. He described a special arrangement, facilitated by the Deputy Controller of Nigeria’s Correctional Service, which allows him to stay in the apartment under certain conditions. “As long as I don’t post or say anything, they can put me close to the place so I can always come inside and see people, and welcome my family. Nobody needs to know,” he added.

In the recording, Bobrisky revealed that his legal team is working towards securing an amnesty, which could potentially lead to his early release before the completion of his sentence. "I’m supposed to finish my sentence by July, but if we get the amnesty, I could leave by the first week of next month. My godfather gave me N5 million, and we sent it to the SAN two weeks ago. He has already submitted the pardon request,” Bobrisky stated.

His unusual living arrangements, as described in the recording, were reportedly made to ensure his safety. Due to concerns that Bobrisky might face harassment in a traditional male prison facility, the Deputy Controller allegedly allowed him to remain in close proximity to the correctional center without being formally incarcerated.

This latest revelation follows previous claims made by Bobrisky, where he alleged that EFCC officials demanded N15 million in exchange for dropping the charges against him. He also claimed that his godfather, along with the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, arranged for his six-month sentence to be served in a private apartment, a move that raised eyebrows in both the media and legal communities.

Additionally, Bobrisky implicated renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana in the saga, alleging that Falana sought a presidential pardon for him in exchange for N10 million.

Bobrisky’s claims have set off a wave of public discussion about corruption within Nigeria’s judicial and correctional systems, with many questioning the legality and ethical implications of such arrangements. If true, these revelations could spark further scrutiny into the conduct of public officials and the role of influential figures in securing special treatment for high-profile individuals.