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Bobrisky To Face Fresh Criminal Charges As Panel Indicts Four Prison Officers

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Controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, may face fresh criminal charges over claims that he served his jail term in a private apartment and bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to drop money laundering charges against him.

The PUNCH gathered that a panel set up to investigate the claims recommended that he should face defamation and criminal charges.

Bobrisky was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment on April 12 for abusing the naira. He was released from prison on August 5.

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A few weeks after his release, controversial social critic, Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, shared a voice note of a conversation purportedly between Bobrisky and another person, where the crossdresser allegedly stated that he bribed EFCC officers with N15m to drop money laundering charges against him. He also claimed to have bribed officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, subsequently constituted an investigation panel, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalena Ajani, on September 30, to probe the claims.

The panel, while presenting its report, said there was no evidence that Bobrisky slept outside the Kirikiri Custodial Centre during his six-month sentence.

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READ ALSO: Bobrisky, VDM, Falz And Our Very Dark End (2) [OPINION]

Details of the report, exclusively obtained by Sunday PUNCH on Friday, stated that Bobrisky tarnished the image of the correctional service with false claims.

The panel also asked the Department of State Services to investigate whether, directly or through a proxy, he bribed the EFCC or the correctional service.

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If the allegations of bribery by Bobrisky are substantiated, the panel said he should be charged with corrupt practices.

The Nigerian Correctional Service should file defamation suits against Bobrisky under sections 373-375 of the Criminal Code Act for his false claims about bypassing the prison system, tarnishing the institution’s reputation.

“The DSS should be requested to investigate whether Bobrisky, directly or through a proxy, bribed EFCC or NCoS officials. If substantiated, Bobrisky should face charges under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act for bribing public officials,” the report partly read.

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READ ALSO: Why We Arrested Bobrisky – Immigration Service

The panel also indicted four correctional officers who were recommended for disciplinary action as outlined in the NCoS’s condition of service, civil service, and applicable laws.

One of those recommended for sanctions is a former Controller of Corrections, Ben Rabbi-Freeman.

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He was accused of “effecting the transfer of Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju without proper documentation of Form 5 and Form 5A from the Medium-Security Custody Centre to the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre on April 22, 2024, after over four months of the transfer date, and after the inmate had ended his imprisonment term; backdating the transfer documentation in relation to 1a and 1b above.

“Causing the in-charge Ikoyi Custodial Centre, in-charge Medium-Security Custodial Centre, and in-charge Maximum-Security Custodial Centre to sign backdated transfer documents in relation to Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju.”

In addition, the Deputy Controller of Corrections who was in charge of the Kirikiri Medium Security, Micheal Anugwa, who claimed during a parliamentary inquiry that he had not been suspended despite an official order from the Minister of Interior, was recommended for disciplinary action.

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READ ALSO: Top 5 Countries In Africa Where Workers Earn Lowest Salaries

He was indicted for receiving Bobrisky into the Medium Security Custodial Centre without the relevant documentation on April 12, 2024, and without the necessary transfer documentation.

“DCC Balogun Sikiru (retd) — formerly in-charge of Maximum Security Custodial Centre for receiving Bobrisky into the Maximum Security Custodial Centre without the relevant documentation on April 22, 2024, and without the necessary transfer documentation, and DCC Sikiru Kamoru Adekunle who was in charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre for backdating the transfer documentation in relation to receiving of Okuneye Idris into the Maximum Security Custodial Centre on April 22, 2024, which was a period he was yet to resume as the in-charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre.”

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The panel further recommended an audit of all inmates and detainees in all custodial centres of the NCoS, their warrants, and other records. It asked that a mechanism be set up to do this and sustain it as an effective oversight weekly.

It demanded “decommercialisation of all welfare and support services to inmates with immediate effect and ensuring that adequate funding and oversight are put in place to ensure the continuation of these. This will also include building sustainable partnerships with civil society organisations (example, with relevant NGOs and professional associations) on some or all of these.”

“Facilitate the effective implementation of non-custodial measures across the entire country to help reduce the number of people in custodial centres by utilising imprisonment only as a last resort,” the report added.

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Why I Linked Isbae U With Obasanjo — Charly Boy

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Veteran entertainer and activist, Charly Boy, has explained why he helped connect former President Olusegun Obasanjo with Nigerian comedian and content creator, Isbae U, for his popular YouTube programme, Curiosity Made Me Ask.

Charly Boy, in a post on X on Monday, said he facilitated the meeting because he believed in creating opportunities for young Nigerians and encouraging older generations to engage with their ideas and platforms.

According to him, Obasanjo’s appearance on the programme demonstrated what could happen when experienced older Nigerians were willing to step into the world of younger people.

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“Sometimes, the greatest thing you fit give a young person no be money. Na opportunity. Look at wetin happen when Baba entered Bae U’s world,” he wrote.

READ ALSO: FULL TEXT: US Govt Releases Text Messages Between Charlie Kirk’s Suspect, Roommate

Charly Boy noted that Obasanjo, despite his age and experience, embraced the unconventional format of the programme and matched Isbae U’s energy.

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“A man of his age and experience sat down with a young man whose style dey completely different from wetin he is used to. Baba no just sit there looking serious. He matched the energy, played along and showed Nigerians another side of himself,” he said.

Explaining his role in bringing the two together, Charly Boy said he had enough confidence in the young people behind the programme to introduce them to the former president.

And who helped make that connection happen? CharlyBoy. Fada believed in the young people behind that show enough to pull Baba into their space,” he said.

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READ ALSO: Charlyboy Reacts As Lagos Govt Renames Bus Stop After Olamide Baddo

Obasanjo’s appearance on Curiosity Made Me Ask attracted widespread attention after the former president joined in the programme’s trademark humour and banter with Isbae U.

The host jokingly introduced Obasanjo as his former employee, claiming that he had paid his salary, provided his food and paid his rent at Aso Rock between 1999 and 2007.

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Obasanjo played along with the joke while also responding to questions about contemporary Nigerian pop culture, including whether he knew music producer, Don Jazzy; dancer, Poco Lee; and content creator, Carter Efe.

The former president said he did not know them, prompting further banter from the host.

Reflecting on the wider significance of the interview, Charly Boy urged older Nigerians to do more than encourage young people to succeed, saying they should also create opportunities for them.

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READ ALSO: ‘I Dey Look For Life For My Son’ – Charly Boy Lists Qualifications For Applicants

To the older generation: don’t only tell young people to succeed. Give them room. Open doors. Recommend them. Trust them with opportunities,” he wrote.

He also urged young Nigerians to prepare themselves to take advantage of opportunities when they come.

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To the younger generation: don’t wait for somebody to hand you a future. Build something worth believing in. When opportunity comes, be ready,” he said.

Charly Boy called for greater collaboration between generations, saying such partnerships could create opportunities for both the young and old.

When generations support each other, everybody gets to grow. Na so legacy suppose work,” he wrote.

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ORB Entertainment Launches Music Distribution Platform For African Artists

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ORB Entertainment has officially launched its digital music distribution platform to help independent African artists release music globally, manage their careers and retain control of their earnings.

Founded by Oluwaseun Ridwan Bamiro and headquartered in Lagos, ORB Entertainment provides artists with access to Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, TikTok and more than 150 other supported digital music platforms.

The company said the platform was developed to address some of the barriers faced by independent African musicians, including limited access to professional distribution infrastructure, high entry costs and difficulty managing releases across several services.

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Artists can create an account and begin with ORB’s free plan. The platform also offers paid plans with additional tools for artists who require broader release and career-management support. ORB charges no commission on artists’ royalties, allowing musicians on every plan to retain 100 per cent of the royalties received for their music.

READ ALSO: SpaceX To Build World’s Largest Launch Facility In Louisiana

Our goal is to give independent African artists access to the infrastructure they need to build sustainable global careers,” Bamiro said. “Talented musicians should not need to sign away ownership or depend on a traditional record label before they can distribute their work professionally.”

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ORB’s release system enables artists to upload their recordings, submit metadata, manage artwork and select supported digital stores through one platform. The company reviews submitted releases within 24 hours, although the final processing and publication schedule remains subject to the requirements of each streaming service.

ORB’s growing catalogue includes “Sure Thing” by M26ix, with additional projects from the artist expected following the platform’s official launch. The company said its work with emerging artists demonstrates how independent African musicians can use accessible distribution infrastructure to reach wider audiences.

Beyond distribution, ORB provides tools designed to assist artists with release preparation, promotional content, audience development and copyright protection. The company said these services are intended to make professional music infrastructure more accessible to emerging creators.

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READ ALSO: SpaceX To Build World’s Largest Launch Facility In Louisiana

The launch comes as African music continues to attract international listeners and investment. However, many independent musicians still face challenges accessing the technology, industry knowledge and operational support needed to convert that attention into sustainable careers.

ORB Entertainment plans to expand its presence across more African markets while developing additional services for independent artists, labels and music professionals.

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“Our vision is to build an ecosystem in which African artists can release music, reach audiences and grow their businesses without losing control of their work,” Bamiro added.

The company said artists can begin on its free plan, making its distribution infrastructure accessible to emerging musicians who may not yet have the resources available to established acts.

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Why Funke Akindele Was Not At My Movie Premiere – Kamo State

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Popular skit maker and actor, Akinyoola Ayoola, better known as Kamo State, has explained why Nollywood actress Funke Akindele was absent from the premiere of his debut cinema film, Star Lomo.

Kamo State said Akindele could not attend the premiere because she was out of the country, dismissing speculation that her absence was connected to a disagreement between them.

The clarification came after Akindele’s absence from Sunday’s premiere in Lagos sparked reactions on social media, with some users questioning whether the actress and Kamo were still on good terms.

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In a statement shared on X on Monday, Kamo said, “I woke up to see different opinions online about Iyamii and myself. Please, we’re on good terms.”

READ ALSO: Funke Akindele Faces Backlash For Celebrating Birthday Hours Ogogo’s Death

He explained that Akindele had discussed the premiere with him but was unable to attend because she was outside the country.

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He said, “She missed my premiere simply because she wasn’t in the country and nothing more to it, so please don’t assume otherwise.”

Kamo added that Akindele had promised to support the film and urged people to stop speculating about their personal relationship.

Kamo added, “We’ve spoken about it, and she’s going to support this film. I’d appreciate it if our personal relationship isn’t speculated on. Let’s keep our focus on the film.”

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READ ALSO: Why I’m No Longer Seen With Funke Akindele — Kamo

Kamo’s relationship with Akindele became more prominent during the production and promotion of Everybody Loves Jenifa in 2024, after which he became closely associated with the actress.

He frequently appeared in content shared by Akindele on Snapchat, while the actress also hosted him and his wife and publicly supported some of his projects.

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Through his association with Akindele, Kamo featured in projects including Aiyetoro Town Season 2, Behind The Scenes and Everybody Loves Jenifa.

The pair were also seen together at several events, with Akindele regularly showing support for Kamo.

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