……Crossdresser Accuses Social Media Personality of AI-Generated False Claims Involving High-Profile Figures

Nigerian crossdresser and social media influencer Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has filed a ₦1 billion lawsuit against Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, over defamation allegations involving an AI-generated audio recording.

The lawsuit, announced on Bobrisky’s Instagram account on Sunday, alleges that VeryDarkMan released an audio clip that falsely linked Bobrisky to illicit relationships with high-profile figures, including politicians and law enforcement officials.

Bobrisky’s legal team claims that VeryDarkMan used the crossdresser’s name and social media influence to make unverified claims for personal gain. The legal statement reads: “Our client has informed us that in your quest for social media stardom, you have continued to exploit his name, personality, and social media influence to create media buzz for your personal gains.”

The lawsuit demands ₦1 billion in damages and serves as a warning against the use of false AI-generated content to spread misinformation about public figures.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Ali Bello and his co-defendants until Oct. 25 for the cross-examination of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) third prosecution witness, Jamilu Abdullahi.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu made this decision after overruling an objection by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who opposed the defense’s request for an adjournment. The defense lawyers, Aliyu Abubakar, SAN, representing Ali Bello, and Nuireni Jimoh, SAN, representing the other defendants, sought the adjournment to allow time to study the witness’s proof of evidence.

The EFCC had called Abdullahi, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, as a witness in the ongoing N3 billion money laundering case against Bello and three others, in a charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/573/2022. Bello is facing charges alongside Yakubu Adabenege, Abba Adaudu, and Iyadi Sadat, who are named as the second to fourth defendants.

During the resumed hearing, Abdullahi continued his testimony led by Oyedepo, detailing cash inflows into his company’s and personal Access Bank accounts. Following his testimony, Abubakar sought an adjournment, citing the need to review the extensive evidence provided.

Oyedepo opposed this request, arguing that the evidence had been served on the defense since Feb. 6, 2023. However, Justice Egwuatu granted the defense’s request to allow adequate preparation for cross-examination, adjourning the matter to Oct. 25, Nov. 5, and Nov. 6 for further proceedings.

The trial continues with Abdullahi expected to face cross-examination regarding his role as the owner of E-Traders International Limited, a BDC company.

Three Men Arraigned in Lagos for Alleged Kidnapping, Theft

Three men, Azeez Sadiq, 35, Taiwo Olayinka, 30, and Monsuru Saheed, 21, were brought before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Tuesday, facing charges of kidnapping and theft. The suspects, whose residential addresses were not disclosed, were charged with conspiracy, kidnapping, and stealing.

According to the prosecutor, ASP Christian Okonofua, the incident occurred on August 20 at around 12 p.m. near a Mobile petrol station behind F One Bar in Ikorodu, Lagos. The defendants, along with accomplices still at large, allegedly kidnapped two individuals from Ogun State and stole N13,000 from one of the victims.

Local residents apprehended the defendants and reported the matter to the police, leading to their arrest. The charges brought against them contravene Sections 411, 172, and 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

During the court hearing, the defendants pleaded not guilty. Magistrate O.A. Ogbe granted each defendant bail of N1 million, requiring two sureties in the same amount. One of the sureties must own landed property and provide proof of three years’ tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

The magistrate also ordered that the second charge be duplicated and forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further advice. The case was adjourned until October 3 for mention.