Bobrisky, the controversial crossdresser, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, openly acknowledged his male identity during his appearance at the Federal High Court in Lagos State on Friday.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro sentenced him to six months in prison without the option of a fine for the offense of abusing the naira.
Inquiring about Bobrisky’s gender, the judge received a prompt response affirming his male identity. When asked directly, Bobrisky stated, “I am a man.”
Justice Awogboro emphasised that the verdict aimed to serve as a warning to others engaged in similar acts of currency abuse and mutilation.
The judge specified that the imprisonment began on March 24, 2024, the day of Bobrisky’s arrest.
Bobrisky had pleaded guilty to the charge of naira abuse filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on April 5, leading to his conviction. The sentencing was initially set for Tuesday, April 9, 2024, but was postponed due to a federal holiday marking Eid-el-Fitr.
Following his conviction, Bobrisky appealed for leniency, expressing ignorance of the law regarding naira abuse. He emphasized his status as a social media influencer with over five million followers.
Despite Bobrisky’s plea, the judge stressed that ignorance of the law does not excuse illegal behavior.
Acknowledging his mistake, Bobrisky requested a chance to utilize his platform for public education, promising to create a video to inform his followers about proper conduct regarding currency handling.
“I know, My Lord. My Lord, I wish that you could give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money,” pleaded Bobrisky, expressing regret for his actions.
“I would do a video on my page, and I would educate people about spraying money. I will not repeat it, My Lord. I regret my actions, My Lord.”
This comes after a Nigerian actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, also known as Simi Gold, was sentenced to six months in prison for tampering with newly issued naira notes in February 2024.
She was filmed spraying and stepping on the currency at a party last year, which led to her arrest. Initially pleading not guilty, she later changed her plea to guilty, citing overwhelming evidence against her.
Omoseyin, through her lawyer, requested leniency as a first-time offender and mother of one but was sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option to pay a $250 fine by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.
The incident occurred amid a naira cash scarcity following the withdrawal of old banknotes from circulation, which the central bank later clarified as remaining legal tender.
