Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, is a Nigerian transvestite who has filed a lawsuit against the recent ruling rendered by a Federal High Court in Lagos State.
The self-described “Mommy” of Lagos filed a notice of appeal on Monday, contesting the maximum six-month term that Justice A.O. Awogboro had given him.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed allegations against him, allegedly including misuse of the naira, the currency of Nigeria. This led to the imposition of the sentence.
Related story:Bobrisky sentenced to six months jail term without option for fine
Bobrisky entered a guilty plea to all four of the charges at hand, yet he was nonetheless given a six-month prison sentence without the chance to pay a fine.
In response, Bimbo Kusanu, the cross-dresser’s attorney, has filed a plea with the Court of Appeal asking for the sentence to be overturned and a N50,000 fine for each count to be imposed instead.
He contends that Okuneye’s cooperation with the police during the legal proceedings and his absence of past criminal convictions make the trial court’s decision to impose the maximum punishment unfair.
Moreover, Kusanu argues that the trial court disregarded opportunities for reduced sentences that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) offers.
He claims that a more lenient sentence ought to have been decided upon after taking into account his client’s excellent antecedents and his admission of guilt.
He claims that his client has suffered a miscarriage of justice as a result of the trial court’s improper use of discretion.
He believes that the severity of the sentence and the appellant’s quick response to the EFCC’s invitation are out of proportion to the offense.
