The well-known transvestite, Idris Okuneye, also referred to as Bobrisky, is scheduled to be arraigned on a six-count charge pertaining to money laundering and currency mutilation at a Federal High Court in Lagos.
After being detained overnight on Thursday after failing to post the required bond, Bobrisky was placed under arrest.
The celebrity is scheduled to appear before Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, according to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale.
Rotimi Oyedepo, an EFCC prosecutor, and seven other attorneys filed the allegations against Bobrisky, claiming that two of the counts were purported money laundering and the other four dealt with Naira abuse.
Prior to today, Bobrisky has been the focus of debate in the Nollywood sector because of the honor bestowed upon her as the “Best Dressed Female.”
Actors in Nollywood were split when Bobrisky was named the “Best Dressed Female” at the “Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds” movie premiere, given by actress and director Eniola Ajao.
Dayo Amusa criticized the development after Femi Adebayo revealed the prize, which was presented on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Film House Cinemas, Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos.
Film industry heavyweights such as Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Sola Sobowale, Regina Chukwu, Denrele Edun, Wumi Toriola, Jumoke Odetola, and Adekola Tijani graced the screening, which later sparked a scandal that called into question Bobrisky’s character as a fellow.
“Tampering with the sum of N400,000 by spraying the same while dancing at a social event at the IMAX Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos” is the charge brought against the transvestite. The Central Bank Act of 2007’s Section 21(1) forbids and punishes the offense, which was committed on March 24, 2024.
“In count two, Bobrisky also tampered with another amount of N50,000 at Aja Junction, Ikorodu, between July and August 2023 by spraying the same during a social gathering while dancing.
In count three, Bobrisky also sprayed and tampered with an additional N20,000 while dancing at White Steve Event Hall in December 2023.
Additionally, Bobrisky was charged by count four with misting and tampering with an additional N20,000 while dancing at another event in Oniru, Victoria Island.
In count five, Bobrisky failed to provide the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering with a declaration of the activities of the aforementioned company, Bob Express, during the period from 1 September 2021 to 4 April 2024 in Lagos, during which time N127. 7 million was paid into the company account held by Ecobank.
In count six, Bobrisky is additionally charged with violating Sections 6(1)(a) and 19(1)(f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and violating Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act by neglecting to file a declaration of the company’s activities within the same time frame that another N53 million was deposited into the company’s account.
Bobrisky faces a minimum sentence of four years in jail and a maximum sentence of fourteen years, as well as a fine equivalent to five times the amount of money obtained from the crime, if found guilty of money laundering.
Since the notes can then be stepped on when they fall to the ground, officially this is an offense against naira abuse.
Although six months in prison is the maximum sentence, prosecutions are uncommon.