On Friday, April 5, 2024, the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully obtained a conviction against Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, before Justice Abimbola Awogboro presiding at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, for the offense of mutilating Naira notes.
Okuneye was brought before the court on a four-count charge related to the mutilation of Naira notes amounting to N490,000 (Four Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira).
One of the counts stated: “That you, OKUNEYE IDRIS OLANREWAJU, on the 24th day of March, 2024, at Imax Circle Mall, Jakande, Lekki, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst participating in a social event, tampered with a total sum of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) in notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying them, thereby committing an offense contrary to and punishable under section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.”
Another count read: “That you, OKUNEYE IDRIS OLANREWAJU, between July and August, 2023, at Aja Junction, Ikorodu, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst participating in a social event, tampered with the sum of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying them, thereby committing an offense contrary to and punishable under section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.”
Bobrisky pleaded guilty to the charges as presented. In response, the prosecution, represented by counsel S.I. Sulaiman, requested to have the investigating officer, ASE I Bolaji Temitope Aje, provide a concise overview of the case.
Aje informed the court that the EFCC had received intelligence regarding individuals engaging in the mutilation and spraying of Naira notes at social gatherings in Lagos. Consequently, a Special Operations Team was formed to monitor these activities, including scrutiny of social media platforms where such abuses were observed.
Evidence presented included videos depicting Bobrisky’s involvement in the said offenses. Following the presentation of evidence and Bobrisky’s admission of guilt, the prosecution sought a conviction and subsequent sentencing.
In delivering the ruling, Justice Awogboro declared the defendant guilty based on his admission and the evidence presented. Bobrisky, in a plea for leniency, expressed remorse for his actions and pledged to utilize his social media platform to educate his followers against Naira abuse.
The defense, represented by Ayo Olumofin, appealed for mercy, emphasizing Bobrisky’s first-time offender status, genuine remorse, and potential societal contribution.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the Judge postponed judgment to Tuesday, April 9, 2024, and ordered Bobrisky to be remanded in EFCC custody until then.
