Idris Okuneye, often known as Bobrisky, is a controversial cross-dresser and social media personality. The Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled a sentencing date for April 9, 2024.
Following Bobrisky's guilty plea to a four-count charge of Naira misuse brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Justice Abimbola Awogboro set a date for his decision.
The convict's remand in EFCC custody until his sentencing was decided by the judge.
At precisely 11:55 a.m., the court called the case, with Mr. Sulaiman Sulaiman declaring his appearance on behalf of the EFCC and Mr. Ayo Olumofin representing the defendant.
Idris Okuneye, often known as Bobrisky, is a controversial cross-dresser and social media personality. The Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled a sentencing date for April 9, 2024.
Following Bobrisky's guilty plea to a four-count charge of Naira misuse brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Justice Abimbola Awogboro set a date for his decision.
The convict's remand in EFCC custody until his sentencing was decided by the judge.
At precisely 11:55 a.m., the court called the case, with Mr. Sulaiman Sulaiman declaring his appearance on behalf of the EFCC and Mr. Ayo Olumofin representing the defendant.
Bobrisky was then told by Justice Awogboro to reveal his face, which was hidden behind a black scarf. He obeyed.
Bobrisky was the subject of a six-count charge from the EFCC. The charge's final two counts deal with accused money laundering, while the first four charges were on alleged Naira abuse.
However, the EFCC prosecutor Sulaiman sought the court to strike out counts five and six prior to the defendant being read the charges.
He said, "Counts 5 and 6 will be withdrawn as a result of an arrangement we have with the defendant. We respectfully request that the court reject counts 5 and 6, keeping counts 1 through 4 in tact under the current circumstances.
After granting his motion, Justice Awogboro struck out the two counts and mandated that the accused be read the four counts of the charge.
Bobrisky entered a guilty plea to all four charges.
He responded, "Yes, I am guilty," when the registrar inquired if he had comprehended the charge after it had been read to him.
After that, the EFCC prosecutor went over the case's facts.
He brought Mr. Bolaji Temitope, an Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, as a witness.
The prosecution asked the witness to describe how he got to know Bobrisky.
Temitope stated: "The EFCC has information on people who frequently spray Naira at events in Lagos. Based on this, the EFCC dispatched an operation team to keep an eye on and watch the activities of people who regularly engage in this behavior.
"In order to identify instances of Naira abuse, we typically visit event venues and keep an eye on social media accounts.
"We discovered videos on social media during the workout showing the defendant mistreating the Naira.
After watching the video, our group burned it onto a CD.
Consequently, the defendant received a letter of invitation. Upon accepting the invitation. The video of the defendant dousing Segun Johnson with cash was shown to him. He attested to the fact that he appeared in the video.
The defendant also saw an event at the Island Circle Mall. There were 400k spent in total.
The defendant was also shown a different film at an event center in Ikeja and Aja Junction, Ikorodu. He acknowledged money-spraying in each and every video.
"He then provided a written statement of his own.
The statement and videos were then presented by the prosecutor. The defense group made no objections.
They were accepted as exhibits by the court, which designated them as Exhibits 1 and 2, respectively.
The prosecutor addressed the court, saying, "That is the case of the prosecution and we pray the defendant be convicted as charged, my lord."
Justice Awogboro declared in a bench decision that the offender was found guilty as charged.
However, Bobrisky begged for forgiveness, claiming he was ignorant of the legislation regarding the abuse of Naira.
After the judge informed him that not knowing the law was not an acceptable defense, Bobrisky retorted, "I know my lord."
In addition, he told the judge, "My Lord I'm hoping you'll give me another chance to utilize my platform to teach and enlighten my fans about money spraying.
"I have more than five million followers on social media as an influencer. I would make a video and post it on my page to inform folks about money spraying.
"My lord, I regret what I did and I won't do it again. This is my first offense.
In addition, his attorney requested the judge to give Bobrisky a non-custodial sentence with the possibility of a fine, saying that he had turned a new leaf.
Sentencing has been postponed until April 9 by Judge Awogboro.
Bobrisky faces six months in prison, a N50,000 fine, or both as a result of the conviction.
Section 21 (1) of A person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the Bank is guilty of an offense and, upon conviction, faces a minimum sentence of six months in prison, a maximum fine of N50,000, or both. This is stated in the CBN Act of 2007.
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