Transgender socialite off the hook after incarceration

A Nigerian investigative panel has dismissed allegations that transgender socialite Bobrisky, sentenced to six months in jail for abusing the national currency, lived in a flat outside prison and did not serve her full term. However, it found that she did receive other special privileges. Bobrisky, real name Idris Okuneye, was allowed frequent visits from family and friends, had a furnished single cell, a humidifier, access to television, a fridge and even a phone, the report noted. BBC News reports that she was sent to a male prison for ‘naira abuse’ after throwing banknotes around at a film premiere in April. ‘Spraying’ cash has been a common practice at Nigerian weddings and other celebrations, but it is illegal under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act. The panel was set up by the Ministry of Interior to investigate bribery claims made by social media influencer Martins Otse who said officials had been bribed to drop money laundering charges against Bobrisky. Two senior prison officials were suspended over the allegations last month.