Court sentences Bobrisky to six months in prison

The Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced the controversial crossdresser, Idris Olarewaju Okuneye, famously known as Bobrisky, to six months in prison without the option of a fine for abusing the naira.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro, delivering the sentence, emphasized that it serves as a deterrent to others engaged in similar acts of abusing and defacing the naira.

During the proceedings, the judge inquired about Bobrisky's gender, to which he promptly identified as male.

The court decided that the jail term would commence from March 24, 2024, the day of Bobrisky's arrest. He had previously pleaded guilty to the charge of naira abuse brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, leading to his conviction on April 5.

Originally set for sentencing on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the court postponed it due to a public holiday declared by the Federal Government for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

After his conviction, Bobrisky appealed for leniency, expressing his lack of awareness regarding the law concerning naira abuse. In his plea to the court, he mentioned his large social media following of over five million and proposed using his platform to educate others about the illegality of naira abuse.

However, the judge reiterated that ignorance of the law cannot excuse such actions. Despite Bobrisky's regrets and promises not to repeat the offense, the court upheld the sentence as a necessary measure to uphold the law and discourage others from similar misconduct.