Popular cross-dresser Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, famously known as Bobrisky, faced arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Federal High Court in Lagos. During the proceedings, Bobrisky admitted guilt to the first four counts related to Naira abuse. The EFCC’s counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, requested the court to dismiss counts five and six, which pertained to money laundering allegations. Following this request, Justice Abimbola Awogboro struck out counts five and six, leading to Bobrisky’s arraignment solely on counts one to four, concerning the abuse of the Naira. When asked if he understood the charges, Bobrisky responded, “yes, I am guilty.”
Before his conviction, Bobrisky pleaded with the court, claiming ignorance of the law regarding the abuse of the Naira. However, the judge reminded him that ignorance of the law was not an excuse, to which Bobrisky acknowledged, saying, “I know, my lord.”
Bobrisky then expressed remorse, requesting a second chance to utilize his platform to educate his followers about the consequences of spraying money. With over five million followers on social media, he proposed creating a video to spread awareness and pledged not to repeat the offense.
Following his conviction, Bobrisky faced potential penalties of either six months’ imprisonment, a fine of N50,000, or both, as stipulated in Section 21 (1) of the CBN Act 2007.
During the court proceedings, the EFCC’s counsel requested the dismissal of counts five and six related to money laundering allegations, which the judge subsequently granted.
Bobrisky arrived at the court in a white bus at 9:12 a.m. on Friday, escorted by officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He had been arrested two days earlier on charges of Naira abuse and money laundering.
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