Bobrisky appears In Court, risks 4 years imprisonment

Celebrity crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has arrived a Federal High Court in Lagos where he is to be arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on money laundering and naira mutilation.

Bobrisky was arrested on Thursday and failed to meet his bail demands, spending the night in custody.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the celebrity will appear before Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, alongside seven other lawyers, filed the charges against Bobrisky, stating that the initial four counts relate to Naira abuse, while the remaining two counts involved alleged money laundering.

Before now, Bobrisky has been discussed as a subject of controversy in the Nollywood industry following the award given to her as the “Best Dressed Female.”

Nollywood actors were divided when Bobrisky was presented the “Best Dressed Female” at the premiere of the movie ‘Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds) by the filmmaker and actress, Eniola Ajao.

Femi Adebayo announced the award that took center stage at Film House Cinemas, Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday 24th March, 2024, but Dayo Amusa faulted the development.

The premiere which was graced by stakeholders in the film industry like Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, and Sola Sobowale, Regina Chukwu, Denrele Edun, Wumi Toriola, Jumoke Odetola, and Adekola Tijani, and others later became a controversy questioning the personality of Bobrisky as a fellow.

The charges against the crossdresser are: “Tampering with the sum of N400,000 by spraying the same while dancing at a social event at the IMAX Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos. The offence was committed on 24 March 2024 and is contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.

“In count two, Bobrisky, between July and August 2023 at Aja Junction, Ikorodu, also tampered with another sum of N50,000 by spraying the same at a social event while dancing.

“In count three, Bobrisky, in December 2023 at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja also sprayed and tampered with another sum of N20,000 while dancing.

“Count four also accused Bobrisky of spraying and tampering with another sum of N20,000 while dancing at another event in Oniru, Victoria Island.

“In count five, Bobrisky, while trading under the name and style of Bob Express between 1 September 2021 and 4 April 2024 in Lagos, failed to submit to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering a declaration of the activities of the said company, (Bob Express), within which period the total sum of N127. 7m was paid into the company account domiciled with Ecobank.

“In count six, Bobrisky is also accused of failing to submit a declaration of the activities of the company within the same period when another N53 million was paid into the company’s account, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 6(1)(a), and Section 19(1) (f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition) Act and punishable under Section 19 (2) (b) of the same Act.”

If convicted for money laundering, Bobrisky might be imprisoned for a term of not less than four years but not more than fourteen years or a fine not less than five times the value of the proceeds of the crime or both.

For naira abuse, this is technically an offence as the notes then fall to the ground where they can be trodden on.

The maximum punishment is six months in jail however prosecutions are rare.