Nigerian transgender, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has been sentenced to six months in prison with no option of a fine for disrespecting the Naira.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos delivered a verdict on Friday, April 12.
The judge emphasized that the ruling serves as a warning to others who may engage in similar acts of abusing or defacing the currency.
Before pronouncing the sentence, the judge inquired about Bobrisky’s gender, to which he promptly responded that he identifies as male.
The court specified that the imprisonment would commence from March 24, 2024, the date of Bobrisky’s arrest.
This decision comes after Bobrisky pleaded guilty to charges of mishandling the Naira, as brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 5.
The sentencing was initially scheduled for the preceding Thursday, but the day was declared a public holiday by the Federal government in observance of the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
The charges outlined instances where Bobrisky allegedly tampered with various sums of Naira during social events, contravening Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.