Idris Okuneye, a well-known cross-dresser and social media personality, more commonly known as Bobrisky, has been sentenced to six months in jail by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The judgement, delivered on Friday, April 12, 2024, came without the option of a fine, leaving the controversial figure to serve the full term.
Bobrisky’s legal troubles began when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested her for allegedly “spraying naira notes” at various events and parties.
This act, considered a mutilation of the naira, led to her arrest and subsequent charges. Despite pleading guilty to a four-count charge of Naira abuse on April 5, the court dismissed two counts of money laundering charges added by the EFCC to its case.
The news of Bobrisky’s sentencing has sparked a wave of reactions among Nigerians. Some have criticized the judgement as being too harsh for the crime of spraying the naira.
One individual @__oyebisi commented, “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.”
Others echoed this sentiment, arguing that the act of spraying money at events is common practice. “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,” @ dianejohn4luv said.
Despite the controversy surrounding her sentencing, Bobrisky’s predicaments began long before her court appearance.
Her online feud with Verydarkman had already made her a topic of public interest. Now, with her sentencing, images of the social media personality being handcuffed and taken away have gone viral online.
The reactions to Bobrisky’s sentencing have been diverse, ranging from sympathy to criticism. While some see her sentencing as a harsh judgement, others view it as a necessary deterrent to the growing menace of homosexuality in society.
See some of the reactions:
@_jamesbrown: “Walahi, this just brought tears to my eyes.”
@nelson_mnp: “Male cell or female cell?”
@lightbeatz.classic: “Temper justice with Mercy.”
@everlicool: “Bobrisky commit crime, na Idris goes to jail.”
@emperor_bolojay: “May we not offend person wey no Dey forgive.”
@wellman_fave: “This is so wrong in every way. Very harsh judgment and it looks like it was done out of spite.” Crossdresser James Brown drags senior colleague Bobrisky
As the dust settles on this case, one thing is clear: the saga of Bobrisky has captured the attention of the nation. Whether seen as a scapegoat or a criminal, her story continues to spark debate and discussion among Nigerians.
In a similar case, in February, actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin was sentenced to six months in prison for spraying and stepping on new naira notes.
