LAGOS, Nigeria – 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.
