The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and detained controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky, over abuse of the naira, spraying of naira notes and currency mutilation.
Bobrisky, embroiled in several controversies over the past weeks, was arrested in Lagos on Wednesday night and has since been detained at the Lagos Command of the EFCC.
The EFCC Dele Oyewale spokesperson confirmed this on Thursday and noted that Bobrisky would be charged to court.
Oyewale said, “Bobrisky is with us. He was arrested last night in Lagos, and he is at our Lagos command. We arrested him for alleged abuse of naira notes, spraying of nara notes, and currency mutilation, among others.
“We are very serious about restoring the dignity of the naira. Though our investigation is still ongoing, but he will definitely be charged to court soon.”
Bobrisky’s arrest comes barely a day after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) stated it lacked sufficient evidence to apprehend him for alleged same-sex activities.
The Force had previously stated on Tuesday that there was no legal basis for arresting cross-dressers like Bobrisky, as there is no specific law against cross-dressing in Nigeria.
Olumuyiwa Ademola, the Force Public Relations Officer, clarified on Channels TV that without credible evidence, it’s challenging to prosecute individuals merely based on allegations.
He emphasized that while cross-dressing itself is not illegal, authorities would need substantial proof to link cross-dressers to other unlawful activities.
In Nigeria, the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill, enacted on January 7, 2014, criminalizes public displays of affection between same-sex couples.
The law imposes severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, for various activities associated with same-sex relationships, such as entering into same-sex marriages, aiding or witnessing such unions, and participating in LGBTQ+ organizations.
Despite the absence of a specific law against cross-dressing, individuals like Bobrisky continue to face public scrutiny and calls for arrest, particularly from conservative segments of society.
The legal landscape surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Nigeria remains contentious, with ongoing debates over the enforcement and constitutionality of existing laws.
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