Bobrisky was charged with four count charge after EFCC’s counsel, Suleiman, asked the court to strike out counts five and six bordering on money laundering
By Kehinde Okeowo
Popular cross-dresser and social media influencer, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky was on Friday convicted by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for abuse of the Naira.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro gave the verdict after the review of the facts of the case.
Before the charge was read, EFCC’s counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, asked the court to strike out counts five and six bordering on money laundering allegations.
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”
The judge subsequently struck out counts five and six, leading to the arraignment of Bobrisky on only counts one to four which is on Naira abuse.
ALSO READ: Bobrisky arrives in court for arraignment over alleged money laundering, naira abuse
When the counts were read, Bobrisky was asked if he understood the charge that was read to him, he replied, “yes, I am guilty”.
He, however told the court that he was not aware of the law on abusing the naira.
He went on to introduce himself as a social media influencer with over five million followers.
The judge then told him that ignorance of the law was not an excuse.
Responding, Bobrisky said, “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.
“I would do a video on my page and I will educate people about spraying money.
“I will not repeat it again. I regret my actions.”
His lawyer further 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.
Justice Awogboro after listening to him then 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.”
