The recent controversy surrounding popular Nigerian crossdresser Bobrisky and popular social media influencer, Very Dark Man also known as Very Dark Black Man, VDM or Martins Otse has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria. This comes after a viral audio recording was shared by Very Dark Man.
The audio allegedly captures Bobrisky admitting to paying a bribe of 15 million naira to avoid prison time and secure a private apartment instead. Bobrisky, a figure with millions of followers on social media, has denied the claims, asserting that the voice in the audio is not his. Bobrisky revealed that his voice had been manipulated using artificial intelligence in a bid to tarnish his image. The incident has raised both legal and ethical questions about privacy, consent, and the use of social media to expose alleged wrongdoing.
Bobrisky’s Brush With The Law And Matters Arising
It is imperative to understand that Bobrisky has been in the eye of the storm. This is not just for his serving a six-month sentence for defacing the Naira; but his lavish cross-dressing lifestyle. His lifestyle; conduct and transgender rumours continue to spark scrutiny and infamy in the conservative Nigerian culture. Especially the culture being one that frowns on homosexuality and transgender matters.
Also, with Bobrisky’s lifestyle, many Nigerians believe that the crossdresser has transformed his gender. They also see his Naira defacing trial and sentencing as a subtle way for the powers that be to check his excesses. Many also believe that his arrest and trial was a silly way of the powers that be punishing him for winning an award for the best-dressed female at the movie premier of Popular Nigerian actress, Eniola Ajao’s – Ajanaku: Beast of Two Worlds.
Where Very Dark Man Comes Into The Mix
Vey Dark Man himself has not been without his fair share of bad publicity. He has been detained for two weeks for cyber bullying and cyberstalking multiple internet/social media bigwigs. His victims include popular Nigerian Actresses, Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh and the Nigerian Police.
The Bobrisky Vs Very Dark Man Matter From The Eyes Of The Nigerian Law
From a legal perspective, the Nigerian Constitution emphasizes the protection of privacy. This ensures citizens have the right to privacy. These rights also covers their communications and correspondence. Additionally, the Nigerian Cybercrime Act of 2024 further reinforces the illegality of hacking, wiretapping, or eavesdropping without consent.
In Nigeria, only law enforcement can obtain permission to intercept private communications through appropriate legal channels. Therefore, the recording and distribution of the alleged conversation between Bobrisky and another individual, if done without consent, could be deemed illegal.
The Moral Standpoint Of The Bobrisky Vs Very Dark Man Saga
The issue also raises moral questions about the actions of both Bobrisky and Very Dark Man. On one hand, if the allegations of bribery are true, Bobrisky’s actions represent a violation of justice and highlight the problem of corruption in Nigeria.
The act of bribing public officials to avoid legal consequences undermines the integrity of the country’s judicial system. If untrue, however, the recording could be an example of someone fabricating a story to blackmail or extort Bobrisky, which is also morally reprehensible.
Very Dark Man’s role in this Bobrisky Vs Very Dark Man controversy is equally complex. Some have labelled him a whistleblower, but others question his methods. If his primary goal was to recover a debt Bobrisky allegedly owed, the proper legal procedure would have been to take the matter to court, not to use a private conversation as leverage.
Publicly shaming someone and sharing personal conversations on social media is concerning, bordering on blackmail. This comes especially when the matter is without proper verification. It also raises important concerns about the misuse of social media in Nigeria and the ethical boundaries of public exposure.
Is The Nigerian Law Biased?
Additionally, the case brings up concerns about inequality before the law. When you check out other cases involving celebrities granted plea bargains, the Bobrisky case makes no sense. For example, Funke Akindele, a Nigerian actress, received a pardon from Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu after violating COVID-19 restrictions. Inconsistencies in the application of justice will erode the trust in the legal system.
Final Words
Ultimately, this matter touches on broader issues in Nigerian society. These issues include corruption, privacy rights, and the responsible use of social media. Nigerians must be cautious when sharing private information online. They also need to know that it is not their role to serve as law enforcement.
The ongoing investigations by the EFCC, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the House of Representatives will likely provide more clarity. For now, the case serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between law, ethics, and the digital age in Nigeria.
