Crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, declared his identity as male in court on Friday after being found guilty of abusing the Nigerian currency, the Naira. A federal judge in Lagos sentenced Okuneye to six months in prison for mutilating Naira notes, as reported by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He will serve his sentence at Ikoyi Correctional Centre without the option of a fine. Bobrisky, known for his controversial public appearances in feminine attire, underwent surgery in 2021 to enhance his feminine appearance. Before sentencing, the judge asked Bobrisky about his gender, to which he promptly responded, “I am a man.”
Justice Awogboro emphasized the seriousness of mutilating currency notes, stating, “The act of mutilating the Naira notes has become a menace, which has continued to damage the image of the country. Enough of people mutilating and tampering with our currencies. It has to stop.”
The charges against him stated that on March 24, 2024, at Imax Circle Mall, Jakande, Lekki, Okuneye tampered with N400,000 worth of Naira notes by spraying them during a social event, violating section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.