Nigerian Celebrity Bobrisky Arrested for Spraying Money at Film Premiere
- Popular Nigerian celebrity Bobrisky (Idris Okuneye) in custody
- Spraying" money, throwing it in the air for celebration, is common in Nigeria
- Authorities were likely pressured by social media after videos of the incident circulated online
One of Nigeria’s renowned figures, Bobrisky, also known as Idris Okuneye, has been detained over accusations of mishandling banknotes during a movie premiere in Lagos, authorities revealed.
According to reports, Bobrisky purportedly mishandled and disfigured banknotes by “spraying” them during the premiere event, which took place at the Film One Circle Mall in the affluent Lekki area of Lagos. “Spraying” involves throwing money in the air as a gesture of appreciation, commonly observed at Nigerian celebrations and weddings.
Although widely practiced, this act is technically considered an offense as the banknotes end up on the ground, risking being trampled upon. While the maximum penalty for this offense is six months’ imprisonment, actual prosecutions are infrequent.
Videos capturing the incident circulated widely on social media, potentially prompting authorities to intervene.
With over five million Instagram followers, the celebrity has yet to issue a statement regarding the matter.
Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), informed the BBC that Bobrisky would face charges once investigations are completed, though no specific timeline was provided.
