Bobrisky jailed with no fine option

A Federal High Court in Lagos has jailed cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, with no option of fine.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro handed down a six-month sentence to Okuneye, who has been in detention since his arrest last week.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned him on a six-count charge.

Two of the charges were later dropped, while he pleaded guilty to naira abuse, but pleaded for mercy as a first-time offender.

• Naira abuse: Sallah holiday stalls Bobrisky’s sentence
• Christian elders want Tinubu to appoint special investigator to probe killings

While handing down the sentence, Justice Awogboro said the judgment would serve as deterrence to others that are fond of abusing and mutilating the Nigerian currency.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Awogboro held that “ The act of mutilating the Naira notes has become a menace, which has continued to damage the image of the country. Enough of people mutilating and tampering with our currencies. It has to stop. His will serve as a deterrent to others.”

The judge ruled that the jail-term commence from the day of his arrest.

On April 5, the court convicted Bobrisky after he pleaded guilty to the four counts charge of abusing the naira.

The judge consequently adjourned to last Thursday, for sentencing, but the day was declared as public holiday by the Federal government for the Eid-l-fitr celebration.

The charges against him read: “that you, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, on the 24th day of March,2024,at imax Circle Mall, Jakande, Lekki, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst dancing during a social event tampered with| tHe total sum of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable ’ under section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.

“That you, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, between July and August,2023 at Aja Junction, lkorodu, within the jurisdiction af this Honourable Court whilst dancing during a social event tampered with the sum N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.

“That you, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, sometimes in December, 2023 at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst dancing during a social event tampered with the sum N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.

“That you, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, sometimes in 2022 at Event Hall, Oniru, Victory Island, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst dancing during a social event tampered with the sum N20, 000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act,2007.”