In a recent court ruling that has sparked widespread debate, Mr. Okuneye Idris Olarewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment without the option of a fine for Naira mutilation.
The sentence, handed down despite his plea and promise to raise awareness against the practice, has ignited controversy regarding the cultural context and proportionality of the punishment.
The sentencing has drawn criticism from various quarters, with concerns raised about the cultural significance of Naira mutilation and the need for comprehensive sensitization efforts before prosecution.
Human Rights Activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, in a statement, urged courts to consider the cultural undertones surrounding such offenses and emphasized the importance of community service alternatives for victimless crimes like Naira mutilation.
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“While we do not condone any attempt to break down the law or actual violation of the law, we are, however, constrained to state on record that at a time when private individuals, non governmental organisations, states and federal governments are taking steps to decongest our prisons, Mr. Olarewaju, a first time offender, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment, notwithstanding his allocutus and promise to use his platform to sensitise the public against Naira mutilation,” he said.
The statement further questioned the singling out of Mr. Olarewaju for prosecution, noting the presence of several other individuals engaging in similar acts at the same event. This has led to calls for fairness and consistency in law enforcement actions.
“We also note that even at the said event where Mr. Olarenwaju was alleged to have mutilated the Naira, there were several other persons engaging in the same act. The question is, why single out Mr. Olarenwaju? In prosecuting offences like this, security agencies must be careful not to give the impression that the Defendant is being targeted for alleged offences other than those stated on the face of the charge.
In conclusion, we urge our security agencies to adopt a community service approach for victimless crimes like Naira Mutilation, while we reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights at all times,” he added.
TheLeadng reports that Bobrisky was arrested on April 3 and convicted by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Friday after pleading guilty to the charges of naira abuse levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice Awogboro asked him to clarify his gender status before his sentencing. Bobrisky told the judge that he identified as a male.
