Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, the controversial cross-dresser, has taken legal action against his recent conviction on charges of Naira abuse. 

Bobrisky, through his lawyer Bimbo Kusanu, has filed a Notice of Appeal seeking to overturn the six-month imprisonment sentence imposed on him by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

The appeal challenges the severity of the sentence and proposes an alternative resolution. Bobrisky requests the court to set aside the imprisonment sentence and instead substitute it with a fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) for each of the four counts against him. The appellant argues that the trial court’s decision to impose the maximum sentence was unwarranted, especially considering his lack of prior criminal convictions and the availability of lesser sentencing options.

Justice Awogboro had handed down the six-month imprisonment sentence on April 12, 2024, without the option of a fine, emphasizing the need to deter others from engaging in similar acts of currency abuse and mutilation. However, Bobrisky contends that such a harsh punishment was disproportionate to the offense and failed to take into account mitigating factors.

The appeal highlights the appellant’s stance that the trial court overlooked opportunities to exercise discretion in favor of a more lenient penalty, such as imposing a fine rather than incarceration. Bobrisky asserts his right to fair treatment under the law and argues for a reconsideration of the judgment based on principles of justice and proportionality.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Bobrisky’s appeal represents a bid to challenge the outcome of the trial and seek a more favorable resolution.