Bobrisky’s Emotional Words Following Prison Release

Controversial socialite, brand influencer, and self-proclaimed fashion icon Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, has been released from prison after serving 4 out of the 6 months of his sentence.

The 31-year-old popular Nigerian cross-dresser was arrested on April 4, 2024, as confirmed by the EFCC on their Instagram page. This followed a report of Bobrisky spraying and flaunting wads of new naira notes at the premiere of the film Beasts of Two Worlds on March 24, 2024.

Upon his release, Bobrisky cautioned his fellow Nigerians against mishandling their currency, warning that non-violent actions like his could still lead to imprisonment. “Don’t spray money, unless you’ll be a landlord inside Kirikiri. It’s not just about killing or any criminal activity; something light like this can take you there,” he said during a press interview.

Expressing gratitude, the flamboyant influencer emphasized, “I’m only focusing on my friends who were there for me, and I’m grateful. I’m not thinking about any other person.”

Okuneye was charged by the EFCC on four counts of naira abuse and pleaded guilty before Justice A.O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos. Justice Awogboro ordered that Bobrisky serve his sentence in a male prison, despite his public identity as a transgender woman.

Throwing money in the air is a common sign of appreciation at Nigerian weddings and celebrations, but it is technically an offense as the notes fall to the ground where they can be trodden on. Bobrisky claimed ignorance of the ban, which has rarely led to prosecutions until now.

In a similar case, actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin received a comparable sentence for the same offense in February.