Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, famously known as Bobrisky, has lodged an appeal challenging his recent conviction on charges related to Naira abuse.
Bobrisky’s legal representative, Bimbo Kusanu, filed the Notice of Appeal on his behalf, seeking to overturn the six-month imprisonment sentence imposed by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos. Instead, Bobrisky proposes a fine of N50,000 for each of the counts against him.
The court had delivered the sentence on April 12, 2024, following Bobrisky’s guilty plea to the four-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In the Notice of Appeal, Bobrisky argues that the trial court’s decision to impose the maximum sentence was unwarranted, considering his lack of prior criminal convictions and the discretion available under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
He contends that the sentence is punitive and fails to acknowledge his cooperation during the investigation and his guilty plea, which saved the court’s time and resources.
Bobrisky further challenges the court’s reasoning behind the sentence, particularly its emphasis on foreign perceptions of Naira abuse rather than the intent of Nigerian law. He asserts that the punishment should align with the spirit of the Central Bank Act 2007, which aims to prevent Naira tampering by Nigerians, not foreign nationals.
Ultimately, Bobrisky appeals for a reconsideration of the sentence, proposing fines in place of imprisonment, arguing that the trial court’s decision resulted in a miscarriage of justice.
