Bobrisky Files Notice of Appeal against Conviction of Abusing Naira
Written By Dedeigbo Ayodeji Samson
Posted By Town Crier News Nigeria
Published By Fitness Network Communications
Bobrisky, a controversial cross-dresser/transgender, has filed a Notice of Appeal against his conviction over abusing and mutilating the Nigerian currency, Naira.
The appeal, filed by his lawyer, Bimbo Kusanu, requests the court to set aside the six-month maximum imprisonment sentence imposed on him and instead impose a fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) on each of the counts against him.
Idris Okuneye known as Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment without an option for a fine by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos for abusing Nigerian currency.
The judge stated that the judgment should deter others who are fond of abusing and mutilating Naira.
Bobrisky pleaded guilty to a four-count charge of abuse of the Naira preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a Lagos court.
However, in his Notice of Appeal, the Appellant stated that the trial court had imposed the maximum sentence on him, despite having no previous criminal record, when there were options to impose a lesser sentence by the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ADCJA).
The Appellant argued that the trial court’s sentence is punitive, contrary to the mandatory provisions of the ADCJA on sentencing.
He stated that the court did not consider his positive antecedents, who did not waste the trial court’s precious judicial resources when he pleaded guilty to the Charge.
The Appellant honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the first invitation during the investigation leading to the charge.
The Appellant further argued that the learned trial judge erred in law and fact by imposing a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment without an option of a fine against a first-time offender like him, contrary to the provisions of the ADCJA.
He also stated that the trial court’s reasons for imposing maximum punishment on him, essentially what foreigners think of Naira abuse, are out of tune with the reality of what the court should have considered.
Therefore, the Appellant urged the court to set aside the six months maximum imprisonment sentence imposed on him and instead impose a fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) on each of the counts against him.
