Investigate Viral Audio Linked To Bobrisky For AI Manipulation, Tietie Urges Police
Human rights lawyer, Frank Tietie, has called on the Nigerian police to conduct a thorough investigation into the viral audio recording allegedly linked to popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, to determine if it was artificially generated using AI technology. Tietie made this appeal in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
The viral audio, which has led to the suspension of four senior officials from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), has been at the centre of controversy, with Bobrisky denying any involvement. His legal team has since filed a lawsuit against social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who initially published the audio, seeking a retraction, apology, and ₦1 billion in damages. Bobrisky’s lawyers argue that the audio was created using AI voice modulation technology, further complicating the matter.
Tietie emphasised that if Bobrisky’s claims of AI manipulation are confirmed, it would be a groundbreaking discovery. He noted that the audio, which allegedly implicates officials from the NCS and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in accepting bribes and offering VIP treatment to Bobrisky, has stirred national debate. However, Tietie pointed out that the content of the audio is not entirely new, as similar allegations have previously circulated.
He further criticised the unverified nature of the audio, particularly its mention of Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana and his son, musician Falz, in defamatory terms. Both Falana and Falz have also filed lawsuits against VDM, demanding accountability for the claims made without proper evidence.
Tietie expressed concern over the delay in verifying the authenticity of the viral audio, which has led to heightened public discourse and prompted the National Assembly to summon the leadership of the NCS and EFCC. The Minister of Interior has also set up a committee to investigate the matter, while the EFCC Chairman has threatened to take action against any officials found guilty of bribery as suggested in the audio.
“Despite the extensive media coverage and impassioned discussions surrounding the audio, the crucial step of verifying its authenticity has not been taken,” Tietie stated. “This raises significant questions about the entire situation and whether we are being misled.”
He urged the authorities to prioritize determining the integrity of the audio recording, stating, “A criminal investigation must be launched with urgency to unmask the creator(s) of the recording and establish whether or not the audio was genuine.”
Tietie concluded by questioning the seriousness of the situation, remarking, “After all the media buzz and public debates, it’s astonishing that we have yet to determine if the audio recording is even real. We must not allow ourselves to be made into a joke.”
