LAGOS, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted Nigerian social media influencer and cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for the offense of mutilating Naira notes, a violation under Nigerian law.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted the case, leading to a notable conclusion on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro presided over the trial, where Bobrisky pleaded guilty to the charges related to the tampering with national currency.
Originally facing a six-count charge filed by the EFCC that included money laundering, the court, after discussions between the prosecution and the defense, agreed to focus on the four counts concerning the mutilation of Naira notes.
During the proceedings, the prosecution’s witness, Bolaji Temitope of the EFCC, presented evidence, including videos where Bobrisky was seen spraying money at various events, an act considered as desecration of the Naira.
The videos, copied onto a Compact Disc (CD) and accompanied by a certificate of identification, were admitted into evidence without objection from the defense.
Bobrisky, in his defense, pleaded for mercy, highlighting his significant social media influence and expressing regret over his actions.
He committed to using his platform to educate his followers on the legal implications of mishandling the national currency if given a second chance.
The defense counsel, Ayo Olumofin, appealed for a non-custodial sentence, emphasising Bobrisky’s potential for positive influence among his substantial online following.
Justice Awogboro, after considering the plea for mercy and the convict’s social influence, decided to reserve the sentencing until April 9 and remand Bobrisky in the custody of the EFCC until then.
JUST IN: Bobrisky Pleads Guilty to EFCC Charges at Federal Court
Social media personality and influencer Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, entered a guilty plea on Friday, April 5, 2024 to charges of money laundering and abuse of the Nigerian currency, the naira.
The charges were brought forward by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, marking a significant development in a case that has caught the attention of both national and international observers.
Originally facing a six-count charge, Bobrisky saw two of the charges dropped as a result of negotiations between his legal representation and the prosecution.
This plea pertains specifically to a four-count indictment, which includes grave accusations of misusing the national currency and engaging in money laundering activities.
EFCC Charges Popular Crossdresser Bobrisky with Abuse of Naira and Money Laundering
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has taken legal action against Idris Okuneye, 31, widely known as Bobrisky, filing a six-count charge that includes allegations of abuse of the Nigerian currency and money laundering.
The prominent social media personality is set to appear before Justice Abimbola Awogboro at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Bobrisky faces accusations of abusing the Naira at various social events across Lagos.
EFCC Grills Bobrisky for Naira Abuse
Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigation of Idris Okuneye, a.k.a Bobrisky, for allegedly spraying Naira notes.
The EFCC had invited the 31-year-old following a… pic.twitter.com/1ndxxSPAwY
— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) April 4, 2024
According to the charge sheet presented by EFCC Prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, alongside a team of seven lawyers, the incidents involve the spraying of sums totaling N490,000 at events in Lekki, Ikorodu, Ikeja, and Victoria Island between July 2023 and March 2024.
Such acts contravene Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007, which prohibits tampering with the country’s currency.
DOWNLOAD: FGN Gazette Central Bank Act 2007
Furthermore, the charges extend into serious allegations of money laundering.
Bobrisky is accused of failing to declare the activities of his business, Bob Express, to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering.
Throughout the period from September 1, 2021, to April 4, 2024, it is alleged that a total of N127.7million and another N53 million were paid into the company’s account with Ecobank, actions deemed violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition) Act.
Dele Oyewale, a spokesperson for the EFCC, revealed on Thursday that although Bobrisky was extended administrative bail, the conditions for release have yet to be satisfied.
These charges highlight the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on financial crimes and currency abuse amidst Nigeria’s broader struggle against corruption.
The case against Bobrisky, a figure known for his extensive social media presence and flamboyant lifestyle, marks a significant move in the enforcement of Nigeria’s financial regulations.
