Bobrisky, the controversial cross-dresser, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, has filed a notice of appeal on Monday challenging the six-month maximum sentence issued by a Federal High Court in Lagos.
Okuneye faced charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) related to naira abuse.
He admitted guilt before Justice A.O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, who sentenced him to six months in prison without the possibility of a fine on April 12.
During the convict’s sentencing, the judge emphasized that the verdict should discourage individuals who engage in abusing and defacing the naira.
However, counsel for Okuneye, Mr. Bimbo Kusanu, filed a notice of appeal, requesting the Court of Appeal to overturn the maximum sentence.
Kusanu is requesting the court to substitute the sentence with a N50,000 fine for each of the charges.
In the appeal notice, the counsel highlighted that the trial court imposed the harshest penalty on the defendant, who had no prior criminal convictions.
The counsel pointed out that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) allows for lesser sentences to be imposed.
It was argued that the sentence given by the trial court was severe and went against the mandatory guidelines of the ACJA.
Moreover, it was mentioned that the trial court overlooked the defendant’s positive background and swift admission of guilt.
The defendant cooperated with the authorities from the beginning and attended all hearings promptly.
The counsel criticized the trial court for not using its discretion wisely and fairly in sentencing the defendant, leading to an injustice.
