Bobrisky: Nigeria’s Media Personality jailed for throwing Naira

Who is Bobrisky ?

Bobrisky is a Nigerian media personality who became more popular in 2021 on TikTok for creating the Bobrisky dance. She was born on 31st August 1991, her real name is Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, and he is a genderqueer, now identifying as a woman.

Why did the court jail Bobrisky?

The Federal High Court of Lagos sentenced her to six months in jail for over four (4) charges that she pleaded guilty to.

Authorities jailed Bobrisky for spraying Nigerian money (Naira), amounting to around N490,000, constituting abuse and mutilation. This practice others call throwing money in the air an act mostly done in parties. Although it’s common at parties, the majority don’t realize it’s an illegal action. It violates the currency law found under section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007, and is punishable in Nigeria. This caused a reaction from the Economic And Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). “This judgement will serve as a deterrence to others who are fond of abusing and mutilating the Nigerian currency,” said Justice Abimbola Awogboro.

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How long has she been serving her jail term ?

She received a 6-month imprisonment, which is the maximum period one can receive for such an offense in Nigeria. However, the judge ordered to commence the jail term on March 24, 2024, the day Bobrisky was arrested.

Bobrisky said in court that she was not aware of the law. “I am a social media influencer with 5 million followers. “I wish the judge could give me a second chance to use my platform to educate my followers against the abuse of the naira,” she told the judge.

However, during the process in the courtroom, before sentencing Bobrisky. The judge asked for his gender, and he quickly said, “I am a man.”