By Milcah Tanimu

Controversial social media personality and cross-dresser, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment without the option of fine by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The sentencing comes as a consequence of Bobrisky’s actions of abusing the Naira, which the judge deemed necessary to serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar behaviors.

During the court proceedings, Bobrisky affirmed his gender identity as male, in response to the judge’s inquiry.

The judge specified that the prison term would begin from March 24, 2024, the day of Bobrisky’s arrest.

Earlier, on April 5, Bobrisky was convicted after pleading guilty to charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for abusing the Naira currency.

The court’s charges detailed instances where Bobrisky tampered with various sums of money issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria while participating in social events.

Following the conviction, the sentencing was scheduled for last Thursday, which coincided with a public holiday declared by the Federal government for the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

Bobrisky’s actions violated Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007, as outlined in the charges brought against him by the EFCC.

This verdict underscores the seriousness with which financial crimes are treated in Nigeria and emphasizes the need for compliance with relevant regulations to maintain the integrity of the national currency.