The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said that Idris Okuneye, aka Bobriksy, will be kept in a male cell after he was sentenced to 6 months in jail for Naira mutilation.
A spokesperson for the Correctional Service in Lagos noted that the crossdresser identified as a male when being questioned in court, which influenced their decision to place him in a male-designated facility.
Bobrisky has continuously insisted that he identifies as female and claims he has undergone gender reassignment surgery. This led to concerns about his safety in jail due to his gender preference.
Reacting, correctional officers assured that Bobrisky would be adequately protected from potential harm. According to the spokesperson, the decision to put Bobrisky in a male cell is to protect him from sexual predators.
“Since he admitted to being a male in court, then we have to abide by what was submitted in court. He shouldn’t be afraid of sexual assault from other male inmates because our men can give him protection,” the spokesperson said.
Mixed reactions have continued to trail the six-month prison sentence handed down to controversial cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Justice Awogboro stated that the sentence, which has no option of fine, will serve as a deterrent to others fond of abusing and mutilating the Naira.
Prior to the sentence, the judge asked Bobrisky to confirm his gender, and he replied that he was a man.
Awogboro ruled that the jail-term would commence from March 24, 2024— the day of his arrest.
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.”
Recall that recently, Very Dark Man had boasted that he would make sure Bobrisky no longer posted pictures or videos of him being caressed any another man on social media.
In a series of posts, VDM had tackled the police authorities, calling on them to arrest Bobrisky. Meanwhile, VDM was eventually arrested, and spend days in detention.
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.”
Meanwhile, shortly before he was convicted, Bobrisky had pleaded with the court to give him a lesser punishment, as he was not aware of the law of abusing Naira.
In his allocutus, he told the court that going forward, he would use his social media platforms to educate his over five million followers against abusing the Nigerian currency.
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.”
