Popular Nigerian influencer Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, was recently sentenced to six months in jail without the option of a fine. The judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, delivered the sentence on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Bobrisky’s arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week stemmed from accusations of mutilating Nigerian Naira currency.
The EFCC at the time of the arrest said they had “commenced investigation into her for allegedly spraying naira notes.”
The EFCC investigation revealed that Bobrisky allegedly defaced Nigerian currency at other events in the past. Bobrisky cooperated with the EFCC by showing up for questioning on April 4th and providing statements. The EFCC also initially accused Bobrisky of money laundering, but these charges were dismissed by the court.
Bobrisky’s sentence has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some believe the punishment is too severe for defacing money, which is sometimes done during celebrations in Nigeria.
“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,” someone said.
“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,” another person said.
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