Nigerian cross-dresser Bobrisky, whose legal name is Idris Okuneye, has filed an appeal against his recent sentencing. Okuneye was sentenced to six months in prison in April by a Federal High Court in Lagos for charges related to naira abuse.
Okuneye, a flamboyant figure known for his social media presence, pleaded guilty to the charges brought by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges stemmed from accusations of mistreating and damaging the country’s currency, the naira.
Judge A.O. Awogboro issued the maximum sentence on April 12th, aiming to deter similar offenses. However, Okuneye’s lawyer, Bimbo Kusanu, argues for a lighter sentence.
Kusanu filed an appeal, requesting the Court of Appeal to overturn the six-month sentence and replace it with a fine. The lawyer argues that the judge did not consider Okuneye’s lack of a criminal record or his cooperation with the court. Kusanu further claims the judge failed to follow sentencing guidelines outlined in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The appeal claims that the original sentence was “punitive” and a “miscarriage of justice.” The outcome of the appeal is yet to be determined.