ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A popular Nigerian transgender woman was sentenced to six months on Friday after a local court convicted her of throwing money into the air, a practice known as spraying. Though common, especially at parties, spraying is illegal in Nigeria.
The rare conviction was criticized by many in the West African nation, a deeply conservative country where members of the LGBTQ+ community are often targeted under a law banning same-sex relations.
Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, better known as Bobrisky, was accused of “tampering” with naira banknotes by spraying them at a social event.
She had pleaded guilty when first arraigned by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency in the economic hub of Lagos. Bobrisky’s sentence — without the option of a fine — is the maximum permitted by law for the offence. She is allowed to appeal the ruling.
“Selective enforcement of the law is a problem in Nigeria,” said human rights lawyer Festus Ogun, who raised the question why Bobrisky was “singled out” by the anti-graft agency.
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £400
Chinese youngsters embrace more diversified tourism options
Inside the race for the world's first MILE
Endangered listing for lizard could slow oil, gas drilling in New Mexico, West Texas
Target to lower prices on basic goods in response to inflation
Kevin Costner praises his Horizon co
The Paralympics open in 100 days. Paris organizers are launching a campaign to boost ticket sales
Kylie Jenner sweetly tears up while enjoying fun mother
Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
Condition of Slovakia's prime minister improves following an assassination attempt