A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted the well-known Nigerian cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for mutilating Naira notes. The conviction comes after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted him on the charge.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro, the trial judge, convicted Bobrisky following his guilty plea to the charge brought against him by the EFCC. The court has reserved the sentencing for April 9 and ordered that he be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.
The EFCC had filed a six-count charge against Bobrisky on Thursday, which led to his arraignment on Friday. Counts one to four of the charge border on alleged tampering with Naira notes, while counts five and six pertain to money laundering.
During the proceedings, the prosecutor, Mr. Suleiman Suleiman, informed the court that following a discussion, the defendant had agreed to plead guilty to the charge. He subsequently made an oral application for counts five and six to be struck out, which the court granted, leaving counts one to four.
In his plea for mercy, Bobrisky, who claimed to be a social media influencer with five million followers, expressed regret for his actions and stated his willingness to use his platform to educate others about the illegality of mutilating Naira notes. His defence counsel also pleaded for a non-custodial sentence for the defendant.
The court, after hearing the arguments, reserved the sentencing until April 9 and ordered that Bobrisky be remanded in EFCC custody pending judgment.
