EFCC arrests Bobrisky over ‘naira abuse’

Bobrisky, the social media celebrity, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly abusing the naira notes.

The self-proclaimed transgender and crossdresser was arrested on Wednesday night in Lagos.

Bobrisky was apprehended for allegedly abusing the naira notes by spraying them, and currency mutilation, among others.

Speaking with TheCable Lifestyle, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, said Bobrisky would be arraigned in court after an investigation.

“He was arrested in connection with naira abuse. He is currently in our Lagos command. I will release a press statement on it soon,” he said.

Born Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, the social media celebrity has always been in the news for controversial reasons.

She claimed to be Nigeria’s first transgender and once admitted to having severed her genitals.

There have been calls for her arrest, with the most recent coming after she controversially won the ‘best dressed female’ category at a Nollywood event.

Responding to the calls, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, said the force cannot arrest crossdressers based on physical appearance.

The police public relations officer (PPRO) added that crossdressers can only be prosecuted if they are “into something else that is criminal and punishable under the law”.

In April 2022, the house of representatives considered a bill seeking to prohibit crossdressing in Nigeria.

The bill aims to amend the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (SSMPA) and defines crossdressing as the “practice of wearing clothes usually worn by a person of the opposite sex”.

The proposed amendment, however, provided an exception that the clauses “shall not apply to crossdressing in the course of a stage play or any bona fide public entertainment”.

When passed into law, crossdressers may face up to six months in jail if they continue with their current practice.

Bobrisky had in 2020 revealed that she opted for crossdressing to make ends meet after 25 years of being a man.

In September 2021, the social media celebrity also talked about some of the perks she enjoys being a “woman”.