Popular cross-dresser, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has been convicted by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Ikeja.
Bobrisky was convicted after pleading guilty to a four-count-charge bordering on the abuse of the Naira notes. however, the court adjourned sentencing until April 9,2024.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a 6 count charge against Bobrisky, with the first four counts focusing on the abuse of the Naira, while the last two counts center around alleged money laundering.
Background
Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged abuse of the Nigerian legal tender, the Naira.
Bobrisky was accused of spraying and flaunting large amounts of Naira notes at events and mutilation of currency (possibly through the act of spraying).
The EFCC investigation reportedly stemmed from a video showing Bobrisky spraying money at the premiere of a movie on March 24, 2024. The EFCC considers such acts disrespectful to the national currency and a violation of Nigerian law.
Upon arraignment, Bobrisky pleaded with the court, citing ignorance of the law concerning the abuse of the naira.
However, the judge reiterated that ignorance of the law does not serve as an excuse, to which Bobrisky acknowledged, expressing remorse for his actions and requesting a second chance to use his platform to educate his followers about proper money handling.
Court’s Decision
Following Bobrisky’s guilty plea, Justice Abimbola Awogboro convicted him on the first four counts related to naira abuse.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro reserved the date for his judgment. The judge then ordered that the convict be remanded in EFCC custody pending sentence.
With the conviction, Bobrisky could either serve six months in prison, pay a fine of N50,000 or do both.
Section 21 (1) of the CBN Act 2007 states that “a person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the Bank is guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable for imprisonment for a term not less that six months or to a fine not less that N50,000 or to both such fine and imprisonment.”
Justice Awogboro adjourned sentencing till April 9.