Idris Okuneye’s (Bobrisky) six months jail sentence without the option of a fine by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court for Naira abuse, on Friday has continued to generate mixed reactions.
Many have described his sentence as most unfair and extreme adding that it amounts to persecution particularly as Wadume (Hamisu Bala), the Taraba kidnap for ransom kingpin got only two years. Recall that on 6th August 2019, a special operational team sent from Abuja arrested Wadume in Taraba State, handcuffed him and were driving toward Jalingo when they came under heavy bombardment from soldiers. In the process, four persons were killed on the spot while several others were injured. Those killed were Inspector Mark Ediale and two sergeants – Usman Danzumi and Dahiru Musa and a civilian by name of Jibrin. The soldiers then freed the handcuffed suspect, according to a statement by then police spokesperson, Frank Mba, who provided public updates on the matter.
Speaking on the judgment, Chidi Odinkalu, rights advocate and teacher of law said: “I am sure there are people who see this as law. I hope there remain some, no matter how few, who recognize this as lynching in the name of law. Those people should not give up. This is the kind of thing that makes the law lose legitimacy & respect.”
As the question about what exactly Bobrisky did and whether mutilation of naira is a financial crime continues to resound, Silas Onu, Abuja lawyer, and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Ebonyi South Senatorial candidate had this to say: “I wonder what law was used to prosecute for mutilation of Naira under the laws that EFCC can prosecute?”
It interesting to note that although Bobrisky has been sent off to 6 months in jail for spraying money in parties, Governor of Niger State Mohammed Umaru Bago who was captured in a video throwing (abusing) the Naira from a moving vehicle has not been indicted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Likewise, a Nigerian lawmaker, Engr. Ibrahim Abuna from Borno state who was seen throwing money at his constituents in a viral video has not been invited by the EFCC.
Watch the video below.
Not a few top Nigerians including the children of former President Muhammadu Buhari have been captured in videos spraying cash. Shortly after their father completed his tenure at Aso Rock, they were seen spraying cash on a band during the celebration of his exit from the presidency. Senator Sani shared Mahdi Shehu’s tweet with the video on his official Twitter page.
According to a rights defender Mbami Iliya Sabka in a statement, “The recent conviction of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, is a clear manifestation of political blackmail and bullying targeting individuals based on their gender identity.”
Continuing, Sabka in statement said: “As a human rights defender, I vehemently denounce this selective justice, which serves to further marginalize transwomen in Nigeria.
“The charges against Bobrisky for money mutilation are disproportionate and highlight a systemic issue of discriminatory treatment within the legal system. It is evident that similar offenses occur regularly during political campaigns, ceremonies and even places of worships without such harsh repercussions.
“Furthermore, the decision to incarcerate Bobrisky in a male custodial center raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of transgender individuals within the Nigerian correctional system. The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) must urgently implement measures to protect the rights of transgender inmates and ensure their accommodation aligns with their gender identity.
“I call upon the Governor of Lagos State to intervene in this matter and grant pardon to Bobrisky, acknowledging the unjust nature of her conviction and the need for equitable treatment under the law. It is time to end the persecution of transgender individuals and uphold their fundamental human rights.
“Regarding Bobrisky’s admission of being male during court proceedings, it is essential to recognize the complexities of gender identity and the societal pressures faced by individuals like her. Rather than using this as a basis for further discrimination, we must strive for greater understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals in Nigerian society.
“In conclusion, I urge all stakeholders to join hands in promoting inclusivity and equality for all, regardless of gender identity or expression. The fight for justice and human rights knows no bounds, and together, we can build a more just and equitable society for everyone.
“Signed: Mbami Iliya Sabka
Human Rights Defender.”
Bobrisky was arraigned on Friday, April 5, 2024 on a four-count charge bordering on mutilation of the Naira notes to the tune of N490, 000, 00 (Four Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira).
Count one reads: “That you, OKUNEYE IDRIS OLANREWAJU, on the 24th day of March, 2024, at Imax Circle Mal, Jakande, Lekki, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with the total sum of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.”
Another count reads: “That you, OKUNEYE IDRIS OLANREWAJU, between July and August, 2023 at Aja Junction, Ikorodu, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with the sum N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.”
He pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
In 2023, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos ordered the remand and eventually sentenced Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, a 31-year-old Nigerian actress to six months imprisonment for spraying and stepping on the new Naira notes at a social event in Lagos.
