By Abiola Olawale
The Federal High Court in Lagos, on Friday, convicted popular Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Olarenwaju Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, of committing Naira mutilation.
The presiding judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro, in his judgment also sentenced Bobrisky, to six months imprisonment without the option of a fine for abusing the naira.
Justice Awogboro while sentencing the convict ruled that the jail term commenced on March 24, 2024, the day of his arrest, adding that the judgment would be a deterrent to others who are found abusing and mutilating the naira.
It would be recalled that the court had, on April 5, convicted him after he pleaded guilty to the charge of abusing the naira filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In the charge sheet filed by EFCC Prosecutor, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo, alongside seven other lawyers, Bobrisky in the first count is alleged to have tampered with the sum of N400,000 by spraying same while dancing at a social event at the IMAX Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos.
The offence was committed on March 24, 2024, and is contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.
In count two, Bobrisky between July and August 2023 at Aja Junction, Ikorodu also tampered with another sum of N50,000 by spraying the same at a social event while dancing.
In count three, Bobrisky in Dec. 2023 at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja also sprayed and tampered with another sum of N20,000 while dancing.
Count four also accused Bobrisky of spraying and tampering with another sum of N20,000 while dancing at another event in Oniru, Victoria Island.
The New Diplomat reports that during court proceedings on Friday Bobrisky pleaded guilty to a four-count charge of tampering with the N490,000 by spraying brought against him by the EFCC.
