Bobrisky in trouble

A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted Bobrisky, a well-known Nigerian celebrity and transgender woman, after she pleaded guilty to charges related to the abuse of Naira notes.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Bobrisky of six things, including mistreating Naira notes and money laundering. Bobrisky was charged with four counts of abusing the Naira notes and two counts of money laundering following his arrest on Wednesday.

However, two money laundering charges were dropped during the proceedings. Bobrisky’s arrest followed the circulation of a video online showing her spraying money at the premiere of “Ajakaju,” a film produced by Eniola Ajao, on March 24, 2024, at Film One Circle Mall in Lekki.

In court, Bobrisky expressed remorse, claiming ignorance of the law regarding tampering with the Naira. She pledged to use any future opportunities to educate her followers against such practices.

Punch Nigeria published a story on Friday, April 5, stating that the social media influencer informed the judge that he had no idea that tampering with the naira note or coin is an offence punishable by law.

Bobrisky expressed regret in court, promising to educate his followers against money-spraying and vowed never to repeat the mistake.

Judge Abimbola Awogboro found Bobrisky guilty after reviewing all the details. Following Bobrisky’s arrest, the EFCC revealed that he had tampered with the naira several times in 2023. Additionally, Bobrisky faced accusations of money laundering twice. The EFCC stated that Bobrisky failed to inform authorities about his business operations, specifically with Bob Express, despite receiving millions of naira into the company’s account.

The EFCC highlighted that between September 1, 2021, and April 4, 2024, N127.7m was deposited into the Bob Express account 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.”

In court on Friday, Judge Abimbola Awogboro decided to remove the money laundering charges against Bobrisky.

This happened after the EFCC’s lawyer, Suleiman Suleiman, asked the court to remove counts five and six (the money laundering charges) and focus on counts one to four instead. However, the court has not yet announced what punishment Bobrisky will receive.