EFCC cancels money laundering case against Bobrisky

The Economic Financial Crime and Commission (EFCC ) has cancelled the money laundering case against Bobrisky, and the Court has reserved judgement till April 9.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Ikeja, has convicted the popular cross-dresser, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, commonly known as Bobrisky, after he pleaded guilty to the abuse of the naira.

Before his conviction, Bobrisky pleaded with the court, stating that he was not aware of the law regarding the abuse of the Naira.

The judge then informed him that ignorance of the law was not an excuse, to which Bobrisky replied, “I understand, my lord.”

He further appealed to the judge, saying, “My lord, I wish for a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about the appropriate handling of money. I’m a social media influencer with over five million followers. I will create a video on my page to educate people about responsible money handling. I deeply regret my actions, my lord.”

With the conviction, Bobrisky could either serve six months in prison, pay a fine of N50,000, or face both penalties.

Section 21 (1) of the CBN Act 2007 states that “a person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the Bank is guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a term not less than six months or to a fine not less than N50,000, or to both such fine and imprisonment.”

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When the charges were read, Bobrisky pleaded guilty to the first four counts related to Naira abuse.

Prior to the reading of the charges, the EFCC’s counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, asked the court to dismiss counts five and six, which pertained to money laundering allegations.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro subsequently dismissed counts five and six, leading to the arraignment of Bobrisky on only counts one to four, which were related to the abuse of the naira.

Upon the reading of the counts, Bobrisky was asked if he understood the charges; he replied, “Yes, I am guilty.”

Bobrisky was brought into the court in a white bus at 9:12 a.m. on Friday morning by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Recall Tribune Online reported that he was arrested on Wednesday by the EFCC on charges of naira abuse and money laundering.

Segun Kasali