Naira Mutilation: Bobrisky bags six-month jail

In a stunning legal blow, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos has dealt a hefty sentence to the controversial figure, Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky.

The flamboyant cross-dresser has been handed a six-month jail term, with no option of fine.

The thunderous verdict reverberated through the courtroom on the morning of Friday, April 12, sending shockwaves across social media.

The social media celebrity was arrested on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Pinnock Estate in Lagos state for abusing the naira during actress and filmmaker Eniola Ajao’s Ajakaju movie premiere.

The crossdresser was arraigned on a six-count charge on Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

While four of the charges are related to naira abuse, the remaining two counts involve alleged money laundering.

The self-proclaimed transgender, however, pleaded guilty to the first four counts bordering on naira abuse.

Abimbola Awogboro, the presiding judge, struck out counts five and six following the request of the EFCC’s counsel.

The crossdresser was returned back to the EFCC custody as the case was adjourned till April 9.

But on April 7, the federal government declared Tuesday and Wednesday as public holidays for this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration for the Muslims.

On Tuesday, the government also declared April 11 as public holiday.

By implication, Bobrisky’s trial will not be holding anytime soon until maybe Friday, April 12.

Bobrisky has always been in the news for controversial reasons.

She claimed to be Nigeria’s first transgender and once admitted to having severed her genitals.

Bobrisky had in 2020 revealed that she opted for crossdressing to make ends meet after 25 years of being a man.

In September 2021, the social media celebrity also talked about some of the perks she enjoys being a “woman".