Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has criticized the six-month prison sentence imposed on controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for naira abuse.
He urged the courts to consider the “cultural undertone” of spraying naira notes at Nigerian social events, suggesting that community service would have been a more appropriate punishment for Bobrisky’s offence.
Parallel Facts reported that the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced Bobrisky to six months in prison without the option of a fine for abusing the naira.
However, in a statement released on Friday, Adeyanju criticized the sentencing of Bobrisky, arguing against a prison term without the option of a fine, especially at a time when authorities are striving to reduce congestion in prisons nationwide.
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Adeyanju said, “We note with concern, the six-month sentence handed down to Mr Okuneye Idris Olarewaju (AKA Bobrisky), without an option of fine, for naira mutilation offence, as reported by various National news platforms.
“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.
“In handing down sentences, we urge our courts to be mindful of the cultural undertone surrounding offences. The act of spraying naira (otherwise called naira mutilation), though an offence criminalised by law, has been part of our cultural practice from time immemorial. The relevant agencies, therefore, have to carry out large-scale sensitization on the issue, before seeking to prosecute offenders.”
“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,” Adeyanju added.