In response to the six-month imprisonment verdict handed down by the Federal High Court in Lagos, controversial figure Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has filed an appeal through his lawyer, Bimbo Kusanu. Bobrisky is seeking to have the six-month imprisonment converted into a fine of N50,000 for each of the four counts he was convicted of.
The sentencing, delivered by Justice Abimbola Awogboro on April 12, 2024, saw Bobrisky sentenced to six months in prison without the option of a fine for his actions involving the abuse of the naira currency, specifically by spraying it at a party, resulting in its mutilation.
Bobrisky had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of abusing the naira as charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 5, 2024.
In his appeal submitted to the Court of Appeal, Bobrisky highlights his lack of prior criminal convictions and argues that the trial court’s sentencing was unduly punitive. He asserts that the trial court failed to consider his positive background, including his cooperation during the investigation and his initial response to the EFCC’s summons.
Bob-risky contends that the trial court’s decision to impose the maximum sentence of six months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine goes against the provisions outlined in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015.
He argues that such a harsh sentence disregards the possibility of imposing a lesser penalty for a first-time offender like himself, thus resulting in a miscarriage of justice.
