Bobrisky: Lawyer faults six-month jail as prison officials promise protection in male section - Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

Bobrisky: Lawyer faults six-month jail as prison officials promise protection in male section

Published

on

Bobrisky: Lawyer faults six-month jail as prison officials promise protection in male section 

 

A lawyer and rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has faulted the six-month imprisonment handed down by court to controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for abuse of naira.

The Nigerian Correctional Service has also said the crossdresser would be kept in the male section of the prison during his six-month incarceration.

Adeyanju urged the courts to be mindful of the “cultural undertone” surrounding the spraying of naira notes at Nigerian social events.

He said community service sentence would have been adequate for Bobrisky’s offence.

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday sentenced Bobrisky to six-month imprisonment without the option of a fine for abusing the naira.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro, in sentencing the convict, said the judgment would be a deterrent to others who are fond of abusing the naira.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned Bobrisky on April 5 and the court convicted him after pleading guilty to the charge of abusing the naira.

But in a statement on Friday, Adeyanju said, “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 (otherwise called naira mutilation), though an offence criminalised by law, has been part of our cultural practice from time immemorial.

“The relevant agencies, therefore, have to carry out large-scale sensitisation on the issue, before seeking to prosecute offenders.

“We also note that even at the said event where Mr Olarenwaju was alleged to have mutilated the naira, there were several other persons engaging in the same act.

“The question is, why single out Mr Olarenwaju? In prosecuting offences like this, security agencies must be careful not to give the impression that the defendant is being targeted for alleged offences other than those stated on the face of the charge.

“In conclusion, we urge our security agencies to adopt a community service approach for victimless crimes like naira mutilation, while we reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights at all times.”

Meanwhile, the decision to keep Bobrisky in the male section of prison was made based on the crossdresser’s assertion of his male gender status during his court appearance.

A spokesperson for the correctional service stated, “Since he admitted to being a male in court, then we have to abide by what was submitted in court.”

“Furthermore, measures will be taken to ensure Bobrisky’s safety from potential sexual assault by other inmates.”

The correctional service assured that adequate protection would be provided, stating, “He shouldn’t be afraid of sexual assault from other male inmates because our men can give him protection.”

Loading

metro

Bauchi Police Rescue 18-Year-Old Woman From Mob After Stabbing Husband

Published

on

Bauchi Police Rescue 18-Year-Old Woman From Mob After Stabbing Husband
Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib
Bauchi Police Rescue 18-Year-Old Woman From Mob After Stabbing Husband

The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued an 18-year-old woman from an angry mob that allegedly attempted to lynch her after she reportedly stabbed her husband during a domestic dispute over money and personal belongings.

The incident occurred on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in Lirr Bajar community, Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The police identified the suspect as Fatima Dalha, 18, while her husband is a 30-year-old man whose name was not disclosed.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the dispute began when Dalha demanded the return of her money, wrappers and mobile phone, which she alleged were in her husband’s possession.

The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical altercation, during which the woman allegedly picked up a nearby knife and stabbed her husband in the stomach, leaving him bleeding.

The incident attracted residents, some of whom allegedly threatened to lynch the woman in retaliation for the attack.

However, officers attached to the Dass Divisional Police Headquarters arrived at the scene, rescued her from the crowd and took her into custody.

The injured husband was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment. Police said the knife allegedly used in the incident had been recovered, while the suspect was detained for further investigation.

READ ALSO:

Habib disclosed that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for a detailed investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, expressed concern over domestic violence among young couples and urged spouses to resolve disagreements through peaceful dialogue, family intervention and other lawful means.

The commissioner also warned residents against jungle justice, stressing that suspects must be allowed to face the legal process rather than being subjected to mob violence.

The incident has drawn attention to the dangers of domestic disputes escalating into physical violence, as well as the risks posed when members of the public attempt to take the law into their own hands.

While the woman remains a suspect in the alleged stabbing, the circumstances surrounding the confrontation are subject to police investigation. The allegations have not been established in court.

 

Bauchi Police Rescue 18-Year-Old Woman From Mob After Stabbing Husband

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

Soldier Killed as Troops Repel Attack by Over 100 Bandits in Niger

Published

on

Soldier Killed as Troops Repel Attack by Over 100 Bandits in Niger
Soldier Killed as Troops Repel Attack by Over 100 Bandits in Niger

A Nigerian soldier has been killed and three others injured after troops repelled an attack by more than 100 suspected bandits in Niger State, prompting the State House of Assembly to call for additional military bases in vulnerable communities.

The confrontation occurred about two weeks ago along the Zungeru–Tegina road in Rafi Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly invaded communities in the area but encountered resistance from Nigerian Army troops.

According to details presented to the Niger State House of Assembly, the soldiers engaged the suspected bandits in a fierce gun battle, preventing the attackers from overrunning the affected communities. Several of the assailants were reportedly killed, while motorcycles were recovered during the operation.

One soldier later died from gunshot injuries, while three others sustained injuries. The circumstances surrounding the encounter were discussed by lawmakers during plenary on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

The Assembly commended the troops for their courage and response, saying their intervention helped avert what could have been a devastating attack on residents already facing persistent insecurity.

READ ALSO:

The motion was moved by Zubairu Ismail Zanna, who represents Rafi State Constituency. He praised the military for confronting the armed group despite its reported numerical advantage but warned that the threat could persist if security deployments were not strengthened.

Zanna urged the Niger State Government to engage the Federal Government and military authorities over the establishment of additional Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Rafi and neighbouring communities exposed to attacks.

He argued that a stronger and more permanent security presence would improve response times, strengthen intelligence gathering and make it more difficult for armed groups to regroup after being dislodged from their hideouts.

The lawmaker also pointed to difficult terrain, extensive forest areas and poorly secured rural routes as factors that make it easier for criminal groups to infiltrate communities and launch attacks.

He stressed that the strategic and economic importance of the Zungeru–Tegina corridor made improved security necessary to protect residents, transport routes and commercial activities.

The Assembly subsequently adopted the motion, urging the relevant authorities to sustain military operations and strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable areas.

The Speaker, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, called for a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased soldier. Lawmakers also offered prayers for the injured personnel receiving treatment.

The incident highlights continuing security challenges in parts of Niger State, where armed groups have carried out attacks and kidnappings along rural routes and around forested communities.

Earlier in October, troops operating under Operation Savannah Shield reportedly rescued 84 residents held by suspected terrorists following an encounter along the Tegina–Garin Gabas–Zungeru corridor. A soldier also died from injuries sustained during that separate operation.

The Assembly’s latest appeal reflects growing calls for more permanent military deployments, improved surveillance and stronger cooperation among security agencies and local communities to prevent further attacks and protect residents.

 

Soldier Killed as Troops Repel Attack by Over 100 Bandits in Niger

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

Police Arrest 34 Cameroonians, Nigeriens Over Suspected Illegal Activities

Published

on

Police Arrest 34 Cameroonians, Nigeriens Over Suspected Illegal Activities
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu

Police Arrest 34 Cameroonians, Nigeriens Over Suspected Illegal Activities

The Benue State Police Command has arrested 34 foreign nationals, comprising 16 Cameroonians and 18 Nigeriens, over concerns about their immigration status, travel documents and movements within the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed the arrests on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, while briefing journalists on the command’s security operations and achievements during the month.

According to the police chief, the 34 foreign nationals were arrested in two separate operations in Otukpo Local Government Area and Orokam in Ogbadibo Local Government Area.

Nwadiogbu said police operatives arrested the 16 Cameroonian nationals in Otukpo on October 9 after they allegedly failed to produce the required travel documents. Preliminary investigations indicated that the individuals had claimed they came to settle in the area but could not provide satisfactory explanations about their purpose.

The commissioner said the suspects were taken into custody for investigation and verification of their immigration status, adding that the police were examining concerns about their alleged involvement in clandestine activities.

In a separate operation on October 22, police intercepted 18 Nigerien nationals at Orokam. The group reportedly said they were travelling to Ikom in Cross River State, but concerns were raised about the circumstances of their entry into Nigeria and their inability to provide satisfactory explanations about their journey.

READ ALSO:

The 18 suspects were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further questioning and verification of their identities, travel arrangements and immigration status.

Nwadiogbu said the command was working with the relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, to establish the facts and determine the appropriate action under the law.

The police have not publicly announced specific criminal charges against the 34 foreign nationals. Their arrest does not, in itself, establish that they committed a crime, and investigations into the circumstances of both incidents are continuing.

The arrests were among several security developments reported by the command for October. Nwadiogbu also disclosed that security operatives had rescued 29 kidnapped victims during operations across Benue State, with assistance from other security agencies and local security groups.

The police said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security threats, verify suspicious movements and protect lives and property across the state.

 

Police Arrest 34 Cameroonians, Nigeriens Over Suspected Illegal Activities

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending