Transgender Bobrisky convicted in Nigeria, en route to jail

The Federal High Court in Lagos, Nigeria, on Friday, April 05, 2024, convicted popular transgender, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for abusing the Naira.

The court found him guilty following videos of his spraying Nigerian currency, the Naira, at various events in Lagos.

Who is Bobrisky?

Bobrisky, whose birth name is Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, is a popular Nigerian transgender and LGBT personality.

The acronym, LGBT, stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people.

Bobrisky, a controversial cross-dresser, who refers to himself as “Mummy of Lagos”, was born in 1991.

He attended King’s High School and Okota High School respectively, both in Lagos, for secondary education.

He later pursued a BSc in Accounting at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in Nigeria.

Bobrisky gained fame through social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram after choosing a transgender lifestyle.

Despite dire consequences, he defied conservative Nigerian norms and attracted a fierce criticism to himself.

Amidst Nigeria’s severe legal stance against same-sex relationships, Bobrisky openly admitted having a male lover.

This has sparked sharp criticism across various social media platforms, including Snapchat, Instagram, X, et al.

In 2021, Bobrisky revealed a new appearance after undergoing surgery to appear more feminine.

The transformation garnered significant reactions and discussions.

In the midst of growing influence and controversies, Bobrisky has associated with other Nigerian celebrities, including Tonto Dikeh.

He has, however, faced heavy criticism, with some calling him unspeakable names.

In 2019, the Director General of Nigeria’s National Council for Arts and Culture referred to Bobrisky as a national disgrace in Nigeria’s culture.

Bobrisky’s journey has been marked by both acclaim and controversy, significantly making him a celebrity.

The transgender ‘s journey to prison

On April 04, 2024, the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced that its operatives have commenced investigation of Bobrisky for allegedly spraying Naira notes.

In a statement seen by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), EFCC said it invited the 31-year-old.

The invitation followed a video report of spraying and flaunting wads of new Naira notes at the premiere of a movie at Film One Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos on March 24, 2024.

The movie, Ajakaju, was produced by Eniola Ajao, a Nollywood actress and producer.

EFCC noted: “The investigation also revealed that he had also committed the alleged offence at some other event centres and parties at different times.

“Following the invitation by the Commission, he arrived at the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC on the morning of Wednesday, April 4, 2024, for interrogation and volunteered his statements.”

Bobrisky was later charged to court on April 05 upon conclusion of investigations wherein he pleaded guilty.

What does the law say about transgender?

Section 21 (3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (As amended) stipulates that “spraying of, dancing or matching on the Naira or any note issued by the Bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the Naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both.”

Having pleaded guilty and convicted in court, Bobrisky the transgender, might as well be on his way to prison.

The sentence, however, will depend on the judges discretion as there is an option of fines or imprisonment or both.

What did Bobrisky tell the court?

In his allocutus, Bobrisky pleaded guilty to the charges.

The cross-dresser told the court that he was not aware of the law on abusing the naira.

The judge then told him that ignorance of the law was not an excuse.

He said: “I know, My Lord. My Lord, I wish that you could give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money.

“I would do a video on my page and I will educate people about spraying money.”

He added: “I will not repeat it again. I regret my actions.”

Justice Abimbola Awogboro convicted him after the review of the facts of the case.

The judge will announce his fate soon.

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