Reactions to Bobrisky's six-month prison term have been mixed

Judge Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, alias Bobrisky, to six months in prison on Friday, April 12, 2024. The decision has been met with mixed emotions.

According to Justice Awogboro, the sentence—which does not include a fine—will dissuade others from mistreating and disfiguring Naira.

When the judge asked Bobrisky to identify his gender before imposing the penalty, he responded that he was a man.

According to Awogboro’s ruling, the prison sentence will start on March 24, 2024, the day he was arrested.

An actor, Denola Grey, was of the view that Bobrisky was being made a scapegoat. In a post on social media, he wrote, “We all know this is not about spraying (money). They are ‘scapegoating’ him, and using this as a reason. I hate bullies. Unfortunately, this country is full of them.”

A lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, also noted that as a first-time offender for a crime many Nigerians are guilty of, Bobrisky should have been given a lighter sentence. He said, “In prosecuting offences like this, security agencies must be careful not to give the impression that the defendant is being targeted for alleged offences other than those stated.

“We urge our security agencies to adopt a community service approach for victimless crimes like naira mutilation, while we reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights at all times.”

A social media influencer and lawyer, King Pexxie, also wrote, “Let’s be honest, this is not it. Many people do the most and get a slap on the wrist with the option of N100,000 fine. Bobrisky does this and gets no option of fine?”

However, a controversial social media personality, Very Dark Man, expressed delight at the sentence. Adopting a sarcastic tone, he said, “Bobrisky sentenced to six months in jail without option of fine. Now I feel really bad. And for those of you who are feeling really bad, there’s a good side to all these things. Six months from now will be October. What happens in October in Nigeria? Independence! What is independence? Freedom! That means Bobrisky would be free with the Nigeria Independence.”

You might remember that recently, Very Dark Man had bragged that he would ensure Bobrisky stopped sharing videos or images of him getting touched by other men on social media.

VDM had taken aim at the police authorities in a number of posts, demanding that they detain Bobrisky. VDM, meanwhile, was eventually taken into custody and held there for several days.

Another social media user, Queensusz wrote, “He is getting convicted, because this is a country where his immorality will not be tolerated, and he would be used as an example for others like him to learn from. It was never about spraying money.”

Bobrisky had begged the court for a lighter sentence just prior to his conviction, claiming that he was unaware of the law regarding the abuse of Naira.

He informed the court in his allocutus that he would utilize his social media platforms going ahead to warn his five million+ followers against misusing Nigerian cash.

However, the judge responded that ignorance of the law was not an excuse. He had said, “I know, my lord. My lord, I wish that you can give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money.”