Angry judge slams maximum sentence on gender activist Bobrisky in naira abuse case
Controversial Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, has been sentenced to six months in prison by an irate judge who gave him no option of a fine.
Bobrisky, whose judgment was initially stalled on Tuesday due to the Sallah break, was slammed with maximum sentence on Friday by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Channels Television reported.
The crossdresser, who has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was arraigned for abusing the naira.
Mr Awogboro said he was incensed by the conduct of Mr Okuneye, a controversial gender activist, and suggested his case would serve as deterrence to others who may commit similar offences in future. Abuse of the national currency has been a recurring feature in the country, although it is rarely prosecuted.
On April 5, the court convicted him following his guilty plea.
His arrest and conviction have drawn widespread reactions, which saw an exchange of words between human rights attorney Chidi Odinkalu and the EFCC.
Mr Odinkalu described EFCC’s action as an “abuse of power,” a statement which drew the ire of the anti-corruption agency.
EFCC responded by stating that any “uncouth commentaries” by the lawyer in the future would be met with legal consequences.
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