One of Nigeria’s renowned celebrities, the transgender personality Bobrisky, has admitted to six counts of naira misuse in court.
Appearing at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Bobrisky was attired in black clothing with a scarf concealing her face and head.
The charges against Bobrisky stem from the act of “spraying” banknotes, a tradition of throwing money in the air as a gesture of appreciation at social gatherings, notably common at Nigerian weddings and festivities.
Despite its cultural significance, this act is technically illegal as it results in the money falling to the ground where it can be defiled. Although the maximum penalty for such an offense is six months imprisonment, prosecutions are infrequent.
Last month, Bobrisky was captured on video spraying nairas at the premiere of Eniola Ajao’s highly anticipated film “Ajakaju” at the Film One Circle Mall. Similar incidents were reported at other events throughout the past year.
In defense, Bobrisky’s lawyer, Ayo Olumofin, argued for leniency, emphasizing that Bobrisky was a first-time offender.
“We have confidence in the court, and justice will prevail,” stated Olumofin.
Bobrisky will remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This incident echoes a previous case where actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin received a six-month prison sentence for a similar offense of spraying and stepping on new naira notes in February.
