Lagos, Nigeria– Transgender social media influencer Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, extensively generally known as Bobrisky, was sentenced to 6 months in jail after being convicted of spraying cash—a apply the place banknotes are thrown into the air, typically at events. Despite its recognition, this act is taken into account unlawful below Nigerian regulation as a result of potential disrespect it exhibits to the nationwide forex, the naira.
Bobrisky, who has a following of 5 million on social media, pleaded responsible to the costs introduced towards her by Nigeria’s anti-graft company following her arrest final earlier this month. The sentence handed down is the utmost allowed for the offense, with no choice for a advantageous, though she has the best to attraction the choice.
The conviction has sparked widespread criticism, significantly on account of considerations about selective regulation enforcement and the continuing focusing on of LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria, a rustic with strict legal guidelines towards same-sex relations. Human rights lawyer Festus Ogun highlighted the problem, questioning why Bobrisky was particularly focused by authorities for a apply that’s generally seen throughout numerous social gatherings within the nation.
During her trial, Bobrisky expressed remorse and a ignorance in regards to the legality of her actions. She requested a second probability to make use of her vital on-line platform to teach others about respecting the naira. “I am a social media influencer with 5 million followers … I wish I can be given a second chance to use my platform to educate my followers against the abuse of the naira,” she informed the court docket.
The presiding decide, Abimbola Awogboro, emphasised that the cruel sentence ought to function a deterrent to others who would possibly disrespect the forex. “Enough of people mutilating and tampering with our currencies. It has to stop,” the decide declared.
This case highlights the broader social and authorized challenges confronted by members of the LGBTQ+ group in Nigeria, reflecting the stress between conventional values and the rights of marginalized teams.
https://www.africanexponent.com/nigerian-transgender-influencer-bobrisky-sentenced-for-currency-spraying-at-social-event/
