One of Nigeria’s well-known celebrities, a transgender woman popularly referred to as Bob Risky has been arrested on charges of abusing bank notes.
The BBC reports that Nigerian authorities claim Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, allegedly abused and mutilated banknotes during a film premiere in Lagos.
The authorities claim she “sprayed” the banknotes, which meant she threw them into the air in gratitude.
In Nigeria, “spraying” is common at weddings and other festivities. However, the act is technically considered an offence since the notes can then be trampled upon when they fall to the ground.
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Bobrisky is accused of spraying money at the premiere of Ajakaju which was produced by actress and producer Eniola Ajao, last month at Film One Circle Mall in the upscale Lekki neighbourhood.
The celebrity with more than five million followers on Instagram, has not yet commented on the matter.
Meanwhile, in an interview with the BBC, spokesman for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria, Dele Oyewale said Bobrisky would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded although he did not specify any timeframe.
Bob Risky’s arrest comes after actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin’s imprisonment in February.
She was sentenced to six months in prison for spraying and stepping on new naira notes.