Bobrisky arrives court for ‘naira abuse, money laundering’ trial

Bobrisky, the embattled Nigerian crossdresser, on Friday, arrived at the federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos state for his trial on allegations bordering on naira abuse and money laundering.

 

The social media celebrity was arrested on Wednesday night in Lagos for allegedly abusing the naira notes.

 

On Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a six-count charge against the controversial crossdresser, born Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye.

 

The commission also accused Bobrisky of laundering the sum of N180 million through a domiciled account.

 

While four of the charges are related to alleged naira abuse, the remaining two counts involve alleged money laundering.

 

“In the charge sheet filed by EFCC Prosecutor, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rotimi Oyedepo, alongside seven other lawyers, Bobrisky in the first count is alleged to have tampered with the sum of N400,000 by spraying same while dancing at a social event at the IMAX Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos,” a press release from anti-graft agency reads in part.

 

“The offence was committed on March 24, 2024, and is contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.

 

 “In count five, Bobrisky while trading under the name and style of Bob Express between Sept 1, 2021, and April 4, 2024, in Lagos, failed to submit to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, a declaration of the activities of the said company, (Bob Express), within which period the total sum of N127. 7m was paid into the company account domiciled 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 N53m 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.”

 

The controversial transgender was driven to the court around 9 am in a white Hiace Toyota bus by EFCC operatives under armed police escorts.

 

Bobrisky will be arraigned before Abimbola Awogboro, the presiding judge.