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.
Young Boys seals 6th Swiss soccer league title in 7 years after rallying from firing coach Wicky
Wondrous Xinjiang: Xinjiang's mobile bazaar blooms ahead
Lazio up to sixth in Serie A after win at Genoa
'The Full English will never die out!' Greasy spoon fans speak up for the Great British Fry
Jon Wysocki dead at 53: Staind drummer passes away
Firefighters douse a blaze at a historic Oregon hotel famously featured in 'The Shining'
Debate over tight end value hovers over Brock Bowers' draft prospects
Florida law discriminates against Chinese nationals trying to buy homes, attorneys argue
Children are evacuated from school 'during an exam' after threat made via email
How Taylor Swift's British ex Joe Alwyn kept dignified silence during six
NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
Firefighters douse a blaze at a historic Oregon hotel famously featured in 'The Shining'