LAGOS, Nigeria – Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, will be detained in the male section of a prison following his recent sentencing, according to officials from the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The decision comes after Bobrisky, a controversial cross-dresser and social media personality, was sentenced to six months in prison by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court on charges of naira abuse.
During the court proceedings, when asked to state his gender, Bobrisky confirmed his male identity.
“Since he admitted to being a male in court, then we have to abide by what was submitted in court,” a spokesperson for the correctional service stated on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Officials also assured that Bobrisky would be protected against any potential harm from other inmates.
The correctional service spokesperson emphasised, “He shouldn’t be afraid of sexual assault from other male inmates because our men can give him protection.”
Bobrisky, who has garnered significant attention for his gender expression and has openly discussed his transition on social media, remains a polarising figure in Nigeria.
He previously posted on Instagram about his transitioning journey, stating, “My journey transitioning into a woman has been going smooth, no health issues, everything is going smooth for me.”
The sentencing and subsequent imprisonment have sparked discussions regarding gender identity and the treatment of non-conforming individuals within the judicial and correctional systems.
