Bobrisky pleads guilty to naira abuse as EFCC drops money laundering case

Bobrisky, the social media celebrity, has pleaded guilty to the first four counts bordering on naira abuse.

 

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

 

The crossdresser was arraigned on a six-count charge on Friday before the federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

 

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

 

When the charge was read during court sitting, the self-proclaimed transgender pleaded guilty to the first four counts bordering on naira abuse.

 

“Yes, I am guilty,” she replied to the charge.

 

Prior to this, the EFCC’s counsel, Suileman Suileman, had sought Abimbola Awogboro, the presiding judge, to strike out counts five and six which are on the money laundering allegations.

 

The prosecuting counsel said the agency’s resolve to strike out the money laundering charge was taken at a late-night meeting on Thursday to expedite the process.

 

Awogboro subsequently struck out counts five and six, paving the way for the arraignment of Bobrisky on the abuse of the naira.

 

After pleading guilty, the crossdresser told the judge she was unaware of the law on abusing the naira.

 

She also begged Awogboro to allow her to raise awareness of naira abuse on Instagram where she has over five million followers.

 

 “My Lord, I wish you could give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money. I will not repeat it again. I regret my actions,” Bobrisky pleaded with the judge.

 

In his reply, Awogboro told the social media influencer that ignorance of the law was not an excuse.

More to follow…