Popular social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, declined to testify before the House of Representatives on Monday in connection with bribery allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
His refusal came after the absence of crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, from the hearing.
The case centers around an audio clip where Bobrisky allegedly claimed he had bribed EFCC officials with N15 million to dismiss money laundering charges against him.
In the same recording, Bobrisky purportedly boasted of evading a six-month jail sentence at Kirikiri Prison in Lagos.
In response to these claims, the House of Representatives summoned VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky, and EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede to appear before the committee.
During his appearance, VeryDarkMan expressed frustration over Bobrisky’s failure to attend. “I don’t understand why I’m here, and the person who made these allegations is not,” he said. “Bobrisky mentioned in the voice note that he has a godfather. Perhaps that’s why he’s not here. His absence disrespects this committee.”
The influencer also addressed the committee’s insistence that he proceed with his testimony, saying, “You’re already threatening me with arrest. If you detain me, I will stay in the cell. But if Bobrisky isn’t present, I won’t speak. If I say anything, let me die.”
Despite the committee members urging him to cooperate, assuring that Bobrisky would eventually face the panel, VeryDarkMan maintained his position. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, later clarified that they were ready to provide additional evidence, although it had not yet been made public.
“VeryDarkMan is not refusing to assist the committee,” Adeyanju explained. “We have additional evidence prepared that has not been shared online. However, because Bobrisky is absent, he won’t speak directly but through his counsel.”
The committee has yet to confirm when Bobrisky will be summoned again to face the allegations.
