Seunfunmi Joshua
The Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced controversial social media personality Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, made a declaration of his gender identity as the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced him to six months in prison.
Over the years, Bobrisky has sparked controversy regarding his gender identity. Known for presenting himself as a woman, Bobrisky claims to have undergone various surgeries to transition.
At one point, he even expressed readiness to conceive a child.
However, he was handed a six-month jail term on Friday by Justice Abimbola Awogboro. Here’s what we know about Bobrisky’s prison sentence.
Background
On April 5, the court convicted Bobrisky after he pleaded guilty to four counts of abusing the Nigerian currency, the naira.
The judge then adjourned the case for sentencing to last Thursday, but the day was declared a public holiday by the Federal government for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Reasons for Charges
His sentencing follows the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigning him on a six-count charge.
The court found that Bobrisky had mishandled the sum of N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) by spraying it while dancing at a social event, sometime in 2022 at Event Hall, Oniru, Victory Island.
It was also found that between July and August 2023, Bobrisky mishandled the sum of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) while dancing at a social event at Aja Junction, Ikorodu.
Similarly, Bobrisky, at some point in December 2023, mishandled the sum of N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) by spraying Naira notes at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja, during a social event.
The court stated that Bobrisky mishandled the Naira currency issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying a total sum of N400,000 at Imax Circle Mall, Jakande, Lekki on the 24th day of March 2024.
According to the court, Bobrisky’s actions violated section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007, making it an offense punishable by law.
However, two of the charges were dropped, and he pleaded guilty to naira abuse, requesting mercy as a first-time offender.
Sentencing
Before receiving a six-month jail term on Friday, Justice Abimbola Awogboro asked Bobrisky about his gender, to which he promptly replied, “I am a man, My Lord.”
The judge then sentenced him to jail, ruling that the term would start from the day of his arrest.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro imposed a six-month sentence on Okuneye.
Opposed Opinion
There have been various opinions online regarding the severity of the sentence for a first-time offender who sprayed naira notes. Dr. Charles Omole on X stated that the six-month sentence is a punitive option under the Sentencing Guidelines, as Section 21 of the CBN Act prescribes a minimum of six months in jail or a fine of 50,000 naira, or both. He suggested that a 50,000 naira fine would have been sufficient, especially considering the plea bargain. However, he also raised the possibility that the sentence is meant to set an example.
Popular actor and content creator shared a similar sentiment on X, claiming that the case is not about spraying money but rather scapegoating and using the incident as an excuse. He expressed disdain for bullying, noting that it is prevalent in the country.
It remains to be seen if these opinions and any appeal from the defendant’s attorneys will lead to a revision of the punishment terms.
A Warning To Other Naira Abusers
In delivering the sentence, Justice Awogboro stated that the judgment would serve as a warning to others who engage in the abuse and mutilation of the Nigerian currency.
The judge ordered that the jail term begin on March 24, 2024, the day of Bobrisky’s arrest.
Keep an eye out for further updates.
