Controversial crossdresser, Okuneye Idris aka Bobrisky has been convicted by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Friday, April 5, 2024, after pleading guilty to the charges of naira abuse levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC filed a six-count charge against Bobrisky, with the first four counts related to Naira abuse, and the last two counts concerning alleged money laundering. Prior to reading the charges, the EFCC prosecutor requested the court to dismiss counts five and six.
Bobrisky pleaded guilty to the four-count charge of Naira abuse. He however asked to be pardoned, adding that he was not aware of the laws binding the Naira abuse and vowed to educate his fans on social media about it.
“I am a social media influencer with over five million followers. I would do a video on my page and I would educate people about spraying money. I will not repeat it again, My Lord. I regret my actions, My Lord. I am a first-time offender,” he said.
Subsequently, Justice Abimbola Awogboro scheduled April 9, 2024, for his sentencing and ordered that he be held in EFCC custody until then.
Recall that Bobrisky was arrested and detained by the EFCC on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. According to the commission, Bobrisky was invited due to a video report of spraying new Naira notes at the premiere of Eniola Ajao’s movie titled, ‘Ajakaju’, which was held at FilmOne Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos, on March 24, 2024.
Meanwhile, the EFCC also lambasted an activist and a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, who described the commission’s action as an abuse of power.
A statement released on the EFCC’s social media page read in part, “The attention of the EFCC has been drawn to some reckless commentaries made by (Odinkalu) on the arrest of Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) by the commission, describing it as evidence of idleness or an abuse of power.
“The commission views such commentaries from Odinkalu as unbecoming of a former head of a major government agency.
Okuneye was arrested and arraigned by the Commission on the basis of clear cases of abuse of the Naira to which he has pleaded guilty.
Odinkalu has a right to free speech as a Nigerian but such a right should be exercised with decorum and responsibility. The commission would not hesitate to take appropriate legal actions against such uncouth commentaries against its lawful mandate by anyone.
“Odinkalu is warned and advised to ventilate his rascally opinions more responsibly in future situations.”