Bobrisky Convicted For Naira Abuse, To Be Sentenced April 9

The Federal High Court in Lagos has set April 9, 2024, to sentence controversial cross-dresser and social media celebrity, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro reserved the date for his judgment after Bobrisky pleaded guilty to a four-count charge of Naira abuse brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The judge ordered that the convict be remanded in EFCC custody pending sentence.

The court called the case at exactly 11:55am with Mr. Sulaiman Sulaiman announcing appearing for the EFCC while Mr. Ayo Olumofin represented the defendant.

Justice Awogboro then directed Bobrisky to unveil his face which was covered with a black hijab. He complied.

The EFCC had filed a 6 count charge against Bobrisky. The first 4 counts of the charge bordered on abuse of the Naira while the last two counts border on alleged money laundering.

However, before the charge was read to the defendant, the EFCC prosecutor, Sulaiman asked the court to strike out counts five and six.

He said, “We have an agreement with the defendant which will lead us to withdraw counts 5 and 6. In the circumstance, we’re humbly urging the court to strike out counts 5 and 6, leaving counts 1 to 4 alive”.

Justice Awogboro granted his request and subsequently struck out the two counts and ordered that the four-count charge be read to the defendant.

Bobrisky pleaded guilty to each of the four counts.

When the registrar asked if he understood the charge that was read to him, he said, ” Yes, I am guilty”.

The EFCC prosecutor then went on to review the facts of the case. He called an EFCC Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Bolaji Temitope, as his witness.

In a bench ruling, Justice Awogboro held: “The defendant is convicted as charged”.

But Bobrisky pleaded for mercy, saying he was not aware of the law on abusing the Naira.

The judge then told him that ignorance of the law was not an excuse to which Bobrisky replied,” I know my lord.”

He further said to the judge, “My lord I wish that you can give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money”.

“I’m a social media influencer with over five million followers. I would do a video on my page and I will educate people about spraying money.

“I will not repeat it again my lord, I regret my actions my lord. I’m a first-time offender.”

Justice Awogboro has adjourned sentencing till April 9.

With the conviction, Bobrisky could either serve six months in prison, pay a fine of N50,000 or do both.