Popular Nigerian crossdresser, Bobrisky has been sentenced to six months in prison for abusing and tampering with the Naira by a Federal High Court in Lagos.
In the West African country’s laws, a person who tampers with the Naira note or coin is guilty of an offence, punishable by law.
Vanguard Nigeria reported that the crossdresser, born Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, was not given an option of a fine during the sentencing on Friday, April 12.
According to the judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro, this is to set an example and deter other people from damaging the currency in any way or form going forward.
Meanwhile, Bobrisky’s jail term commences from the day of his arrest, March 24, 2024.
Also, the crossdresser who over the past few years has insisted on being called a woman, is expected to spend his time in the men’s prison.
He reportedly told the judge he is a man when asked about his gender before sentencing.
Background
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.
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