Court Strikes Out Bobrisky’s Fundamental Rights Suit Against EFCC

Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a fundamental rights suit filed by Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bobrisky had alleged a breach of his fundamental rights by the anti-graft agency and sought damages amounting to N200 million.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Justice Owoeye ruled that Bobrisky’s claims lacked merit, emphasizing that the applicant failed to present credible evidence to justify the reliefs sought. This high-profile case, which had drawn widespread attention, marks a significant legal victory for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Bobrisky’s Claims and Court’s Verdict

Bobrisky’s suit included multiple reliefs, notably an order for perpetual injunction to prevent the EFCC from harassing, arresting, or detaining him in the future. Additionally, he requested the court to award N200 million in damages for alleged harassment and violation of his rights.

In his ruling, Justice Owoeye stated that the evidence presented by Bobrisky did not support his allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. “The claims of violation of fundamental rights against the respondents were not substantiated by affidavit evidence. The suit is devoid of merit and is hereby dismissed,” he declared. The court also refused to grant any financial damages to the applicant, delivering a comprehensive rejection of all reliefs sought.

Background to the Case

Bobrisky was initially arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on April 4, 2024, for alleged naira abuse. His arrest culminated in a six-month conviction handed down by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on April 12, 2024. Following his release, Bobrisky filed this suit, naming both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the National Assembly as respondents, accusing them of infringing on his rights.

The dismissal of the suit highlights the judiciary’s stance on cases involving allegations against law enforcement agencies, especially where insufficient evidence is presented. This ruling also sets a precedent for similar claims brought against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other government bodies.

Social Media Reactions to the Verdict

The case has sparked mixed reactions on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Some users criticized Bobrisky’s decision to sue the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and questioned his credibility. A user with the handle “Gentle” remarked, “You just called Bobrisky ‘him.’ Is he really him? Anyway, so Bob dragged Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and National Assembly, and you let her get away with all this. Besides, we all knew that he was not in any prison. Una try well.”

Another user, Oluwapelumi, commented on Bobrisky’s identity, stating, “He is known as a male in the court of law but addresses himself as ‘she’ outside. The identity crisis is just confusing.” The discussions highlight the ongoing public debate about Bobrisky’s gender identity and its implications for his legal and social interactions.

Implications of the Judgment

The court’s decision underscores the importance of credible evidence in cases alleging violations of fundamental rights. It also reinforces the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s mandate to operate within the confines of the law, as the agency was found not to have violated Bobrisky’s rights in this instance.

For Bobrisky, this ruling represents a significant legal setback. The public reactions further complicate his public image, with ongoing debates about his identity continuing to fuel controversy. As the dust settles, this case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in navigating Nigeria’s legal and social landscapes.