A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted the well-known Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for the mutilation of Naira notes. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted the case against Bobrisky.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro, the trial judge, convicted the defendant following his guilty plea to the charge brought against him by the EFCC. The court has reserved April 9 for the sentencing of the convict and ordered his remand in EFCC custody.
The EFCC had filed a six-count charge against Bobrisky on Thursday, which included allegations of tampering with Naira notes and money laundering. However, during the proceedings on Friday, the prosecutor, Mr. Suleiman Suleiman, informed the court that the defendant had agreed to plead guilty to the charges. As a result, counts five and six were struck out, leaving counts one to four.
The prosecution witness, Mr. Bolaji Temitope of the EFCC, testified that during the investigation, videos were discovered showing Bobrisky mutilating Naira notes. The defendant admitted to his actions during questioning at the EFCC office.
In his plea for mercy, Bobrisky, who claimed to be a social media influencer with five million followers, expressed regret for his actions and requested a chance to educate his followers about the illegality of spraying the Naira. His defense counsel also appealed for a non-custodial sentence.
The court, after hearing the pleas, reserved sentencing until April 9 and ordered Bobrisky to remain in EFCC custody pending judgment.