Bobrisky, the well-known transgender personality known as Idris Okuneye, has been handed a six-month jail sentence without the option of a fine by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
This verdict comes in the wake of Bobrisky’s recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the alleged mutilation of the naira.
The EFCC had initiated an investigation into Bobrisky’s activities after reports of her allegedly spraying naira notes surfaced. According to the EFCC, Bobrisky was suspected of committing the offence at various event centers and parties on different occasions. Following her arrest, Bobrisky voluntarily appeared at the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC for interrogation and provided her statements.
The news of Bobrisky’s sentencing has elicited mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some expressing sympathy for her and questioning the severity of the punishment. Many argue that spraying money, a common practice at events, should not warrant such a harsh penalty. “She was used as a scapegoat. Why no option of fine, please???? What point are they trying so hard to prove? I hope she learns to not always brag on social media that she is above the law when she gets out too,” one individual commented.
Others believe that Bobrisky’s case highlights a broader issue of selective enforcement and disproportionate punishment. “They just used her as a scapegoat and if we’re being fair, she doesn’t deserve it. 99% percent of people at events spray money exactly the way she sprayed money in that video. This isn’t fair,” another person opined.
Overall, Bobrisky’s sentencing has sparked debate and raised questions about the enforcement of laws and the fairness of judicial decisions in Nigeria.