Internet sensation, Bobrisky, has recently found himself at the center of a legal storm, facing a six-count charge filed by The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges against him range from tampering with currency to failing to submit proper declarations under the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition) Act.
Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far:
The Charges Against Bobrisky
In the charge sheet filed by EFCC Prosecutor, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rotimi Oyedepo, alongside seven other lawyers, Bobrisky is accused of several offenses:
- Spraying of ₦400,000 at IMAX Circle Mall, Lekki: Bobrisky allegedly tampered with the sum of ₦400,000 by spraying it while dancing at a social event.
- Spraying of ₦50,000 at Aja Junction, Ikorodu: Another charge states that between July and August 2023, Bobrisky tampered with another sum of ₦50,000 by spraying it at a social event while dancing.
- Spraying of ₦20,000 at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja: In December 2023, Bobrisky is accused of spraying and tampering with another sum of N20,000 while dancing.
- Spraying of ₦20,000 at an event in Oniru, Victoria Island: Another charge alleges that Bobrisky sprayed and tampered with another sum of
₦20,000 while dancing at a separate event.
- Failure to Submit Company Declaration: Bobrisky is also accused, in counts five and six, of failing to submit declarations of the activities of his company, Bob Express, between September 1, 2021, and April 4, 2024. During this period, significant sums totaling ₦127.7m were paid into the company’s Ecobank account.
Nigerian Law and Currency Tampering
Under Nigerian law, the actions described in the charges against Bobrisky carry serious implications.
Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007 prohibits the abuse of the naira, including spraying, stepping on, squeezing, or defacing it during social events.
Section 21 of the Act prescribes a fine of ₦50,000 or six months imprisonment or both for anyone found culpable. This might be the case of Bobrisky.
It’s important to note that a similar case in 2023 involving a Nigerian actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin resulted in a six-month imprisonment sentence.
The actress was filmed spraying and stepping on newly issued naira notes, which led to her conviction.
Public Figures and Legal Accountability
As a public figure, Bobrisky is under heightened scrutiny.
The eyes of the public and the law are on individuals in the limelight, and the expectation of upholding the law is paramount.
Public figures serve as role models, and their actions, especially concerning legal matters, are closely observed.
Given the seriousness of the charges against Bobrisky, it is unlikely that he will escape legal consequences.
We envisage that he would plead guilty.
The Nigerian legal system treats currency tampering and money laundering offenses seriously, with punishments outlined in the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition) Act.
