A rights activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has strongly criticized the six-month sentence handed down to controversial cross-dresser Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky for Naira mutilation.
Adeyanju expressed his criticism in a statement on Friday while reacting to Bobrisky’s sentence, urging security agencies to adopt a community service approach for victimless crimes like naira abuse.
He maintained that while breaking the law or violating it should not be condoned, questioning the severity of the sentence, especially considering the efforts to decongest prisons in the country.
Adeyanju identified Bobrisky’s status as a first-time offender and his willingness to use his platform to sensitize the public against Naira mutilation.
While noting that naira mutilation has been a cultural practice from time immemorial, the lawyer opined that instead of solely focusing on prosecution, relevant agencies should prioritize large-scale sensitization on the issue before seeking to prosecute offenders.
“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 or (otherwise called Naira mutilation), though an offence criminalised by law, is one that has been part of our cultural practice from time immemorial. The relevant agencies, therefore, have a duty to carry out large-scale sensitization on the issue, before seeking to prosecute offenders,” the statement read.
