By Ayomide Otitoju
A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a fundamental rights suit filed by controversial social media personality, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Assembly.
Bobrisky had sought ₦200 million in damages from the EFCC for “psychotic trauma” and ₦1 billion from the National Assembly for alleged violations of his right to a fair hearing. He also petitioned the court to restrain the EFCC and the National Assembly from “harassing, detaining, or declaring him wanted.”
The case stemmed from allegations made by social media influencer Martins Otse, who leaked an audio recording claiming Bobrisky paid ₦15 million to the EFCC to drop money laundering charges against him.
Delivering the ruling on November 28, Justice Alexander Owoeye held that Bobrisky’s claims lacked merit and were unsupported by credible evidence.
“Having evaluated the evidence placed before this Court by the Applicant, it is evident that the Applicant has failed to provide credible evidence to justify the award of the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought by him,” the judge said.
“The Applicant’s claims against the 1st and 2nd Respondents were not made out of the affidavit evidence placed before this Court. The claims lack merit and are accordingly dismissed.”
Justice Owoeye also declined to award damages against the EFCC.
The EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the court’s decision in a statement released on Friday. The ruling underscores the burden of proof required in fundamental rights cases and dismisses allegations of misconduct against the EFCC and the National Assembly in this instance.
