Crime
BREAKING: NPF Arraigns VDM Over Impersonation
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Friday, arraigned social media influencer cum critic, Martins Otse, also known as, VeryDarkMan (VDM) for impersonation.
The NPF made the disclosure in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Friday.
Recall that VDM was arrested by the FCT Police Command after he appeared in a video clip dressed like an Inspector of Police.
ALSO READ: VDM Apologises Publicly For Wearing Police-Like Attire
He has also tendered his apologies.
However, the NPF revealed under the subject ‘Impersonation: VDM to appear in Court today, FCT Command leading prosecution’ that the action wastto underscore “commitment to upholding the integrity of its symbols and preventing their misuse.”
The NPF wrote, “In response to recent developments, VDM, whose real name is Mr. Martins Otse, is set to appear in court today following allegations of impersonation related to the unauthorized use of Nigeria Police Force uniforms in a viral social media video.
“The FCT Police Command is actively handling the case, underscoring the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its symbols and preventing their misuse.
“Interested persons are encouraged to follow up on the proceedings as the case unfolds.”
Crime
Bobrisky Removed From KLM Flight To Amsterdam, Alleges Arrest By EFCC
Popular Nigerian social media personality and cross-dresser, Okuneye Idris, known as Bobrisky, was detained by immigration officials late Thursday night at the airport while preparing to board a KLM flight to Amsterdam.
In a post shared with his followers on Instagram, Bobrisky claimed he was injured during a confrontation with immigration authorities and alleged that his detention was orchestrated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
READ ALSO: EFCC Probes Top Bankers, Bobrisky Case Still Ongoing
“Nigerians help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured,” he wrote.
The incident marks the latest chapter in a series of legal and social controversies for the social media star.
Just two weeks earlier, on October 22, Bobrisky reportedly faced a similar situation when he was intercepted by authorities at the Sème border, allegedly attempting to flee Nigeria.
This recent series of detentions follows Bobrisky’s high-profile legal case earlier this year.
In April, he was sentenced to six months in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos for naira abuse, initially serving time at Kirikiri Prison.
However, rumors quickly emerged claiming that he spent only three weeks in custody before being discreetly moved to a private facility.
The alleged preferential treatment reportedly involved a ₦15 million bribe paid to authorities, fueling widespread speculation about celebrity influence in legal matters.
In late September, the situation intensified when social media influencer VeryDarkMan released an audio recording purportedly implicating Bobrisky.
In the leaked recording, Bobrisky allegedly suggested that musician Falz and his father, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, had approached him in prison, requesting ₦10 million in exchange for helping secure a presidential pardon.
Following the leak, Falana and Falz issued a cease-and-desist letter to Bobrisky on October 16, demanding a retraction and a public apology for what they described as defamatory comments.
Bobrisky however denied the allegations, stating that he was not responsible for the audio content and urged the Falanas to address their concerns to VeryDarkMan instead.
Crime
EFCC Probes Top Bankers, Bobrisky Case Still Ongoing
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced on Thursday that it is investigating several bank executives for various offenses.
The agency also reported that a preliminary investigation report on former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, has been submitted to President Bola Tinubu.
The EFCC disclosed that about five bank executives are currently serving jail terms in custodial centers across the country.
This was revealed by the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwajaren, who highlighted the achievements of the commission under Ola Olukoyede’s leadership.
While Uwajaren did not disclose the names of the bank executives under investigation, he emphasized that the banking sector has not been overlooked in the past year.
He said, “It’s just for us to look back and realise that EFCC has never shifted focus from any sector. Between 2009 and 2011, at least five bank executives were investigated and served their jail terms. There are still some that are under investigation.
“They are not politicians. Bank MDs are not immune to investigations or prosecution by the EFCC. We cannot mention names until those things are concluded.“
READ MORE: Budget 2025: Adeleke Presides Over Treasury Board Sittings, Tasks MDAs On Performance
On Betta Edu, Uwajaren said, “I don’t know the outcome. But I believe that we have submitted a preliminary report to the president. And I believe that we are still on the matter.
“The last time I checked, we mentioned the number of bank accounts that we were monitoring. We were looking at about 140 accounts. And we know it takes time to look into and get the required information.”
On the investigation of controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky’s allegations, Uwujaren said he could face a fresh charge from the commission if the allegations against the EFCC are false.
Bobrisky had in a voice note shared by controversial social critic Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, allegedly said he bribed EFCC officers with N15m to drop money laundering charges against him.
Although the EFCC denied the allegations, it set up a committee to investigate the matter.
Providing an update, Uwujaren stated that one could be charged for giving false information to the EFCC, let alone making false allegations against the commission.
He said, “There is a portion of the EFCC Act that states if you give false information, you can be tried, but in his case, it is an allegation against the agency. I don’t want to preempt the panel investigating the matter. Once we are through with the investigation, we will definitely brief you on the outcome.”
Reeling out the success of the commission under Olukoyede, Uwujaren said a total of ₦248bn has been recovered.
He also said four former governors and three former ministers have been prosecuted under Olukoyede.
Uwujaren said, “Ola Olukoyede’s one year as EFCC Chairman, beginning from October 18, 2023 to October 18, 2024, the Commission has charged four former governors, namely: Yahaya Adoza Bello (Kogi), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Willie Obiano (Anambra) and Darius Dickson Ishaku (Taraba), to court for alleged corruption.
“Two former ministers of power have been arrested and facing prosecution by the Commission. They are Saleh Mamman and Olu Agunloye. A third is a former minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika.”
He also noted that in the past year, the EFCC, under Olukoyede’s watch, secured 3455 convictions across all categories of financial crimes and corruption.
“Also in the one year of Olukoyede’s leadership, the EFCC recorded $105,423,190.39; £ 53,133.64; €172,547.10; T1,300.00; CAD $ 3,400.00; ¥74,859:00 (Seventy-Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Nine Chinese Yuan); AUS $ 740:00; 170:00 UAE DIRHAM; 73,000:00 KOREAN WON; CFA 7,821,375:00 to R 50:00,” he added.
He said more than 35 were convicted for Naira abuse.
“The convicts cut across different classes of society, with Idris Okuneye (a.k.a. Bobrisky) and Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, a Nollywood actress who bagged six months imprisonment, topping the chart of high-profile convicts in this regard. Another offender, Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu (a.k.a. Cubana Chief Priest), had his charges compounded and was fined,” he stated.
Crime
Young Man, 4 Friends Die After Eating Poisoned Pepper Soup Of Ex-Girlfriend
In a shocking incident that has captured widespread attention on social media, a young man and four of his friends tragically lost their lives after consuming pepper soup allegedly laced with poison.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 26, in Auchi, Edo State.
According to reports gathered by BIZTELLERS, the suspect, identified only as Peculiar, is the ex-girlfriend of the young man.
READ MORE: US Diplomats In Israel For High-Stake-Talks On Lebanon Truce
Sources indicate that she prepared the fatal dish in a bid to seek revenge for their broken relationship. The group had gathered to enjoy a meal together when they unknowingly consumed the tainted fish pepper soup.
As details of the case continue to emerge, it has been confirmed that Peculiar has been arrested by the Nigerian Army. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, as friends and family mourn the loss of the young men.
As the community grapples with this heartbreaking loss, further updates on the investigation are expected in the coming days.
Watch Video here