Social media influencer and controversial figure, Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, has pleaded guilty to charges of Naira abuse brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The plea was made during an arraignment at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Bobrisky faced a six-count charge, including allegations of money laundering. However, the prosecuting counsel, Suileman Suileman, requested the court to strike out counts five and six, focusing solely on the charges related to Naira abuse.
Bobrisky pleaded with the court that he was not aware of the law on abusing the Naira.
The decision to drop the money laundering charges was made in a late-night meeting preceding his arraignment, with the aim of expediting the legal process.
During the court session, Bobrisky pleaded guilty to the first four counts of Naira abuse. With the removal of the money laundering charges, the focus remained solely on these counts.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro subsequently struck out the money laundering charges, paving the way for Bobrisky’s arraignment on the remaining counts. When asked if he understood the charges against him, Bobrisky affirmed his guilt.
Section 21 (1) of the CBN Act 2007, stipulates severe penalties for tampering with the naira stating that offenders could face imprisonment for a minimum of six months or a fine of not less than N50,000, or both.
Bobrisky was brought to court by the EFCC officials early this morning.
His arrest on Wednesday sparked public interest and speculation, as the social media personality faced accusations of financial misconduct.
However according to THE PUNCH, Justice Abimbola has reserved judgment on the matter till April 9, 2024.
The judge also ordered that he should be returned to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s custody pending the judgment.
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