On Friday, the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced controversial crossdresser Idris Olarewaju Okuneye, often known as Bobrisky, to six months in prison without the option of paying a fine for naira abuse.
While sentencing the defendant, Justice Abimbola Awogboro stated that the judgement would serve as a deterrent to others who have been seen abusing and mutilating the naira.
When the judge asked, “Are you a man or a woman?” Bobrisky responded, “I am a man.” His response came as a surprise to many as he has always claimed on his social media handles that he is transgender.
The judge ordered that the jail term began on March 24, 2024, the day of his arrest.
The court condemned him on April 5 after he pleaded guilty to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s accusation of misusing the naira.
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The judge thus rescheduled the sentencing for Tuesday, April 9, 2024. However, the Federal Government made the day a national holiday to commemorate the Eid-el-Fitr festival.
Bobrisky had begged with the court last Friday, following his conviction, for a reduced term because he was unaware of the legislation against manipulating the naira.
Bobrisky implored the court throughout his allocution that he was unaware of the legislation regarding naira abuse.
He claimed to be a social media influencer with more than five million followers.
The judge then informed him that ignorance of the law was no excuse.
He said, “I know, My Lord. My Lord, I wish that you could give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money.
“I would do a video on my page and I would educate people about spraying money.
“I will not repeat it, My Lord. I regret my actions, My Lord.”
Nnamdi Okoli