The case was presided over by Justice Abimbola Awogboro, who has reserved the date for his judgment to April 9, 2024.
The Explainer reported that on Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a six-count charge against Bobrisky.
The first four counts focused on the alleged abuse of the Naira, with the remaining two counts relating to accusations of money laundering.
The proceedings began promptly at 11:55 am, with Mr. Sulaiman Sulaiman representing the EFCC and Mr. Ayo Olumofin defending Bobrisky.
Before the charge could be read to the defendant, EFCC prosecutor Sulaiman requested the court to strike out counts five and six. He explained, “We have an agreement with the defendant that will lead us to withdraw counts 5 and 6. In the circumstance, we humbly urge the court to strike out counts 5 and 6, leaving counts 1 to 4 alive.”
Justice Awogboro granted this request, subsequently removing the two counts and ordering that the four-count charge be presented to the defendant.
As part of this legal proceeding, Bobrisky pleaded guilty to each of the four remaining counts.
The court heard how the EFCC, acting on intelligence about individuals spraying Naira at parties in Lagos, discovered videos on social media showing Bobrisky engaging in the act.
This evidence was central to the prosecution’s case, with EFCC Assistant Superintendent Mr. Bolaji Temitope providing a detailed account of the investigation.
“During the exercise, we came across videos on social media where the defendant was seen abusing the Naira. Our team then proceeded to view the video and burn the same on CD. Consequently, an invitation letter was forwarded to the defendant. When he honored the invitation, the defendant was shown a video where he was spraying money on Segun Johnson. He confirmed that he was the one in the video.”
The prosecutor concluded, “That is the case of the prosecution, and we pray the defendant be convicted as charged, my lord.”
In a bench ruling, Justice Awogboro stated, “The defendant is convicted as charged.”
Nevertheless, Bobrisky pleaded for mercy, claiming ignorance of the law regarding Naira abuse.
He earnestly appealed to the judge, stating, “My lord, I wish for a second chance to utilize my platform to educate my followers about money spraying. As a social media influencer with over five million followers, I commit to creating an educational video on my page. I deeply regret my actions and assure that I will not repeat the offense as I am a first-time offender.”
His lawyer emphasized Bobrisky’s positive transformation and implored the judge to consider a non-custodial sentence with a fine option.
Justice Awogboro has postponed sentencing until April 9, allowing time for deliberation on the case.
The backdrop to this case is the CBN Act 2007, which strictly prohibits the abuse of the Naira, including spraying, dancing, or stepping on the currency.
This law aims to preserve the dignity of the nation’s currency, and violations can result in imprisonment, fines, or both. The act of spraying money, a common practice at Nigerian social events, has come under scrutiny, with recent cases emphasizing the legal consequences of such actions.
Following the conviction, Bobrisky faces the possibility of serving six months in prison, paying a fine of N50,000, or both.
This decision aligns with Section 21 (1) of the CBN Act 2007, which stipulates that “a person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the Bank is guilty of an offense and shall, upon conviction, be liable for imprisonment for a term not less than six months, a fine not less than N50,000, or both fine and imprisonment.”
