Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, took legal action on Monday by filing a notice of appeal challenging the six-month maximum sentence given to him by a Federal High Court in Lagos. The sentence was in response to charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the abuse of the naira. Before Justice A.O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos, Bobrisky pleaded guilty to the charges.

On April 12, Justice Awogboro sentenced Okuneye to six months in prison without the option of a fine. He emphasised the need for the judgment to deter others from similar acts of naira abuse.

In response, Okuneye’s counsel, Bimbo Kusanu, submitted a notice of appeal to the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the maximum sentence. Kusanu argues for the replacement of the sentence with a ₦50,000 fine per count. He highlighted Okuneye’s lack of prior criminal convictions and the possibility of a lesser sentence under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Kusanu contends that the trial court’s decision was punitive and did not consider Okuneye’s cooperation during the legal proceedings. This includes promptly pleading guilty and honouring invitations from the authorities.

Furthermore, Kusanu asserts that the trial court failed to exercise discretion appropriately, resulting in a miscarriage of justice against Okuneye. This appeal represents an effort to challenge the severity of the sentence imposed by the trial court and to seek a more lenient resolution for the appellant.