Nigeria’s controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly as Bobrisky, has taken legal action against his recent conviction. On Monday, he filed a notice of appeal contesting the six-month sentence handed down to him by a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The charges against Okuneye were brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and revolved around four counts related to the improper handling of the Nigerian currency, the naira. He admitted guilt before Justice A.O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court, which subsequently sentenced him to six months in prison with no option for a fine.
The judge, in delivering the sentence on April 12, emphasized its importance as a deterrent to others who might engage in similar acts of naira abuse and mutilation.
However, Bobrisky’s legal representative, Bimbo Kusanu, swiftly moved to appeal the sentence. Kusanu has petitioned the Court of Appeal to overturn the maximum sentence and instead impose a fine of ₦50,000 for each count.
In the notice of appeal, Kusanu argued that the trial court had imposed the harshest penalty despite Bobrisky’s lack of prior criminal convictions. He pointed out that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) provides for the possibility of lesser sentences in such cases.
Furthermore, Kusanu highlighted that Bobrisky had promptly admitted guilt and cooperated with the authorities, indicating a positive precedent. He criticized the trial court for what he deemed a failure to exercise discretion properly, resulting in what he described as a miscarriage of justice against his client.
Bobrisky’s appeal signals a continuation of the legal battle surrounding his conviction, raising questions about the appropriate punishment for offenses related to currency abuse. The outcome of the appeal will likely draw significant attention, given Bobrisky’s polarizing public persona and the broader implications for legal precedents in Nigeria.
