Controversial figure Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, famously known as Bobrisky, has taken a step to challenge the recent verdict of the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal. Bobrisky, who was handed a six-month maximum imprisonment sentence by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, is now seeking to overturn the decision.
In a bid to sway the appellate court, Bobrisky is advocating for a different approach. Instead of serving time, he is proposing a fine of N50,000 for each of the counts leveled against him. The charges, brought forth by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), revolve around allegations of abuse of the Naira.
Justice Awogboro’s ruling emphasized the need for a stringent penalty as a deterrent against similar offenses, citing concerns over the degradation of the national currency. However, Bobrisky, through his legal representative Bimbo Kasanu, argues that the severity of the sentence constitutes a miscarriage of justice.
Kasanu contends that the trial court overlooked Bobrisky’s lack of prior criminal convictions and his plea of guilty, which saved judicial resources. According to the lawyer, the imposition of the maximum sentence disregarded the discretion granted by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ADCJA) to opt for a lesser punishment.
“The Sentence imposed by the trial Court against the Appellant is punitive contrary to the mandatory provisions of the Law (ADCJA) on sentencing,” Kasanu asserts. “The Appellant has suffered a miscarriage of Justice by the maximum sentence imposed by the learned trial Court.”
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The appeal highlights the contention that the trial court’s discretion was not exercised judiciously, resulting in an unjust outcome for Bobrisky. Consequently, the legal team urges the appellate court to reconsider the sentence and substitute it with a monetary fine, providing a fairer resolution to the case.
As the legal battle unfolds, it raises questions about the balance between punishment and rehabilitation, as well as the effectiveness of deterrent measures in addressing financial crimes. Bobrisky’s appeal signals a quest for a more nuanced approach to justice, one that considers individual circumstances alongside the severity of the offense.
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