Popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, fondly called Bobrisky, has been released from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos State.

Bobrisky regained freedom on Monday, August 5, 2024.

The controversial celebrity was seen via a video on X (formerly Twitter) greeting his fans who came to welcome him.

The Star recalls that the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos sentenced Bobrisky to six months imprisonment over naira abuse.

The presiding judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro, in a judgement delivered on April 12, 2024, said: “The act of mutilating the naira notes has become a menace, which has continued to damage the image of the country.

“Enough of people mutilating and tampering with our currencies. It has to stop. His will serve as a deterrent to others.”

The judge, therefore, sentenced Bobrisky to six months imprisonment without an option of fine from the date of his remand.

In his plea for mercy, Bobrisky said: “I am a social media influencer, with five million followers; and in all honesty, I was not aware of the law.

Bobrisky to judge: I’m a man

“I wish I could be given a second chance to use my platform to educate my followers against the abuse of the naira.”

His lawyer also said: “He will lead the crusade against the abuse of naira. He is also an employer of people; and if he goes to jail, the people he employs will suffer. He has cooperated with the EFCC and has not wasted the time of the court.

“We urge the court to caution the defendant and allow him to go. He has given evidence that he will be useful to the country. We urge you to grant a non-custodial sentencing option of fine.”

Bobrisky was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court convicted him on April 5, following his guilty plea, but reserved sentence until April 9.

The court had earlier ordered the remand of the cross-dresser in EFCC custody pending sentencing.

However, due to the federal government’s declaration of April 9, 10, and April 11 as public holidays, the case could not proceed as scheduled.

The Star