The Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted the controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for the abuse of the Nigerian currency, the Naira. The court has scheduled April 9 as the date for the sentencing of the defendant. Bobrisky entered a guilty plea to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for four counts of tampering with the sum of N490,000 through spraying.
The EFCC had previously dropped two charges of money laundering through Bobrisky’s business, Bob Express, totaling N180.7 million. The attorney for the EFCC, Suleiman Suleiman, did not give a justification for this decision.
Following the defendant’s plea, Justice Awogboro convicted Bobrisky and ordered the anti-graft agency to review the facts of the case. During the review, the EFCC’s investigating officer, Bolaji Temitope, informed the court that the Commission had received intelligence about individuals who engage in the mutilation and spraying of the naira during parties in Lagos.
Temitope further explained that based on this intelligence, the Commission deployed an operation team to monitor and observe the activities of the suspects. He stated, “We usually visit event centers and monitor social media pages where Naira is abused. During the exercise, we came across a video on social media where the convict was seen abusing the naira. Our team then proceeded to view the video and burn the same on CD. Consequently, the invitation letter was forwarded to the defendant. When he honored the invitation, the defendant was shown a video where he was spraying money on Segun Johnson. He confirmed that he was the one in the video.”
The prosecution presented the video as evidence, and the court admitted it without objection from the defense lawyer, Ayo Olumofin. In his allocutus, the convict pleaded with the court to show mercy, stating that he was unaware of the law that criminalized the abuse of the naira. Bobrisky also claimed to be a social media influencer with over five million followers.
However, the judge reminded him that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Bobrisky then expressed his regret and requested a second chance to use his platform to educate his followers about the proper handling of money. He promised to create a video on his page to educate people about the responsible use of currency.
After hearing the arguments from both sides, Justice Awogboro adjourned the matter to April 9 for sentencing and ordered that the convict be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.
Bobrisky arrived at the court in a bus with the registration number KWL 910 BE at 9:12 am and was kept waiting inside for over two hours before being led into the courtroom. Press photographers were barred from photographing him by ten armed EFCC agents surrounding him.
The charges against Bobrisky include tampering with the Naira by spraying the currency at various social events. The first count accuses him of tampering with N400,000 by spraying it while dancing at a social event at the IMAX Circle Mall in Lekki, Lagos. The second count alleges that between July and August 2023 at Aja Junction, Ikorodu, he tampered with another sum of N50,000 by spraying it at a social event while dancing. The third count states that in December 2023, at White Steve Event Hall in Ikeja, he sprayed and tampered with another sum of N20,000 while dancing. The fourth count accuses Bobrisky of spraying and tampering with another sum of N20,000 while dancing at an event in Oniru, Victoria Island.
These offenses were committed on March 24, 2024, and are contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.
Additionally, Bobrisky is charged with money laundering in counts five and six. In count five, he is accused of failing to submit a declaration of the activities of his company, Bob Express, to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering. This offense allegedly occurred between September 1, 2021, and April 4, 2024, in Lagos, during which a total sum of N127.7 million was paid into the company’s account domiciled with Ecobank. In count six, Bobrisky is accused of failing to submit a declaration of the company’s activities during the same period when another N53 million was paid into the company’s account.
These charges are in violation of Section 6(1)(a) and Section 19(1)(f) of the Money Launder FAQ
1. What is the punishment for abusing the naira?
Abusing the Naira is a criminal offense in Nigeria. The punishment for such an offense can vary depending on the severity of the crime and the discretion of the court. In the case of Bobrisky, the controversial cross-dresser, the sentencing is set for April 9, and it remains to be seen what punishment he will receive.
2. How did the EFCC discover the abuse of the naira?
The EFCC received intelligence about individuals who engage in the mutilation and spraying of the Naira during parties in Lagos. Based on this intelligence, the Commission deployed an operation team to monitor and observe the activities of the suspects. They visited event centers and monitored social media pages where Naira abuse was reported. In the case of Bobrisky, a video on social media showing him spraying money on someone named Segun Johnson caught the attention of the EFCC.
3. What did Bobrisky plead in court?
Bobrisky pleaded guilty to a four-count charge of tampering with the Naira by spraying. He admitted to the offenses and expressed regret for his actions. He also claimed to be unaware of the law that criminalized the abuse of the Naira and requested a second chance to educate his followers about the responsible use of currency.
4. What are the charges against Bobrisky?
Bobrisky is facing four counts of tampering with the Naira by spraying it at various social events. The charges include tampering with N400,000 at the IMAX Circle Mall in Lekki, tampering with N50,000 at Aja Junction, tampering with N20,000 at White Steve Event Hall in Ikeja, and tampering with N20,000 at an event in Oniru, Victoria Island. He is also charged with money laundering for failing to submit a declaration of his company’s activities to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering.
5. What is the possible punishment for Bobrisky?
During the sentencing hearing on April 9, the court will decide on Bobrisky’s potential punishment. The severity of the punishment will depend on various factors, including the judge’s discretion, the nature of the offenses, and any mitigating factors presented by the defense. It is important to note that the punishment for abusing the Naira can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the circumstances of the case.
