Bobrisky’s legal representative has requested the court to change the crossdresser’s verdict to a ₦50,000 fine for each charge. The controversial figure, also known as Idris Okuneye, filed a notice of appeal on Monday to challenge the six-month maximum sentence given by a Federal High Court in Lagos. Okuneye was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on four counts of naira abuse and pleaded guilty before Justice A.O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos. On April 12, Justice Awogboro sentenced Okuneye to six months in jail without the possibility of a fine, stating that it should serve as a warning to others not to misuse and deface the naira. However, Okuneye’s lawyer, Bimbo Kusanu, filed a notice of appeal, calling on the Court of Appeal to nullify the maximum sentence. Kusanu requested the court to substitute the sentence with an option of a ₦50,000 fine for each charge. In the appeal notification, the lawyer argued that the trial court imposed the harshest sentence on Bobrisky, who had no prior criminal record. Kusanu pointed out that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) provides alternatives for a lesser sentence. He argued that the sentence against Okuneye by the trial court was overly punitive and contravened the mandatory provisions of the ACJA. The appellant’s counsel further stated that the trial court ignored Okuneye’s positive background and prompt cooperation during legal proceedings, such as pleading guilty to the charge and responding promptly to the EFCC’s summons. Kusanu contended that the trial court did not exercise its judicial discretion appropriately while sentencing Okuneye, resulting in a miscarriage of justice against the appellant.
Bobrisky is requesting a review of the sentence and is willing to pay a fine of ₦50k for every charge
