Popular Nigerian crossdresser, Bobrisky, has been sentenced to six months in prison by a Federal High Court in Lagos for tampering with the Naira.
In accordance with Nigerian law, tampering with the Naira note or coin is considered an offense punishable by law.
Vanguard Nigeria reported that Bobrisky, born Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, was not offered the option of paying a fine during the sentencing on Friday, April 12.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro, the presiding judge, stated that this decision aims to serve as a deterrent to others and prevent further damage to the currency in any manner.
Bobrisky’s prison term begins on the day of his arrest, March 24, 2024.
Despite identifying as a woman in recent years, he is expected to serve his time in the men’s prison.
According to reports, when asked about his gender before sentencing, he stated that he is a man.
Bobrisky was arrested after a video surfaced showing him spraying wads of cash at the premiere of Eniola Ajao’s ‘Beasts of Two Worlds’ movie on March 24, 2024.
Following Bobrisky’s arrest, the EFCC revealed that aside from the March 24 incident, their investigation found that Bobrisky had tampered with the naira on several occasions in 2023.
The influencer was also charged with two counts of money laundering. According to the agency, the crossdresser failed to report to appropriate institutions the activities of a company he established called the Bob Express.
Bobrisky was brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-count charge, four of which pertained to abusing the Naira and two to money laundering following his arrest.
However, two of the charges of money laundering were dropped.
Bobrisky was convicted by the Federal High Court in Lagos after pleading guilty to charges related to the abuse of the Naira.
According to a report by the newspaper, Punch Nigeria on Friday, April 5, the social media influencer told the court he was unaware that tampering with the Naira note or coin is an offence punishable by law.
Bobrisky told the court he was remorseful; adding that should he be given a second chance, he would take the opportunity to educate his followers against spraying money.
He also promised to upload a video on the subject matter and never to repeat the mistake.
