Bobrisky: EFCC Reacts to Videos of Other Prominent Nigerians Abusing Naira

• Politicians and celebrities would not be spared if found abusing the nation's currency, the EFCC disclosed
• The anti-graft agency made this statement while reacting to the viral video of some prominent Nigerians, including musicians, abusing the naira after Bobrisky was jailed for the same issue without a fine option
• The EFCC disclosed that more celebrities might likely go down as it is currently investigating several of them who have abused the naira

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it is difficult to prosecute old cases of naira abuse after the commencement date of its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarisation of the Economy on February 7, 2024.

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In a statement on Sunday, April 14, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, reacted to viral videos on social media showing some notable personalities in the country abusing the naira.

Recall that on Friday, April 12, mixed reactions trailed the the six-month sentence of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, after being convicted for the abuse of the naira without the option of a fine.

Bobrisky, a popular crossdresser in the country, was arraigned before the federal high court in Lagos by the EFCC for naira mutilation, an offence punishable under the Nigerian constitution.

While some lawyers posited that Bobrisky should appeal the judgment because he is a first-time offender, other Nigerians, however, were of the view that the judgment was right, considering that Bobrisky was not the first victim.

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Reacting to the development, the EFCC disclosed that it will investigate and prosecute any Nigerian involved in the naira abuse, including celebrities and politicians.

The EFCC stated thus:

"On the issue of the works of the Commission against Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far. Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life. These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.

"To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024. However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.

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"At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse. Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter. The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime."

Lawyer speaks on Bobrisky's ordeal

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, revealed some challenges Bobrisky will experience during his six-month jail term in Kirikiri Prison, Lagos.

Effiong via X opined that Bobrisky will have a difficult experience in the custodial centre (prison) because he does not seem like someone who can stay in a restricted environment under harsh and excruciating conditions.

Source: Legit.ng