The Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed April 9, 2024, to sentence controversial cross-dresser and social media celebrity, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro reserved the date for his judgment after Bobrisky pleaded guilty to a four-count charge of Naira abuse brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The judge ordered that the convict be remanded in EFCC custody pending sentence.
The EFCC had filed a 6 count charge against Bobrisky. The first 4 counts of the charge bordered on abuse of the Naira while the last two counts border on alleged money laundering.
But before the charge was read to the defendant, the EFCC prosecutor, Sulaiman asked the court to strike out counts five and six.
He said, “We have an agreement with the defendant which will lead us to withdraw counts 5 and 6. In the circumstance, we’re humbly urging the court to strike out counts 5 and 6, leaving counts 1 to 4 alive.”
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This paved the way for the arraignment of Bobrisky on only counts one to four which is on the abuse of the naira.
When the counts were read, Bobrisky was asked if he understood the charge that was read to him, he replied, “yes, I am guilty.”
Bobrisky pleaded with the court that he was not aware of the law on abusing the Naira.
The judge however turned down his plea, stating that ignorance of the law was not an excuse to which Bobrisky replied, “I know my lord.
“My lord I wish that you can give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money.
I’m a social media influencer with over five million followers. I would do a video on my page and I will educate people about spraying money.
“I will not repeat it again my lord, I regret my actions my lord.”
His lawyer, Ayo Olumofin added that he had turned a new leaf and urged the judge to grant Bobrisky a non-custodial sentence and an option of a fine.
Meanwhile Justice Awogboro has adjourned sentencing till April 9.
With the conviction, Bobrisky could either serve six months in prison, pay a fine of N50,000 or do both.
Section 21 (1) of the CBN Act 2007 states that “a person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the Bank is guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable for imprisonment for a term not less that six months or to a fine not less that N50,000 or to both such fine and imprisonment.”
Bobrisky was arrested on Wednesday by the EFCC on account of naira abuse and money laundering.
Credible News.ng
