\n\n
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of 10 individuals for abusing and mutilating the naira in Delta and Edo states. According to the anti-graft agency, the defendants were prosecuted before the Federal High Court in Asaba and Benin City after they were arrested for spraying naira notes while dancing at social events, an act that violates Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007.
The convicted persons — Lucky Onoberhie, Happy Joseph Isioma, Friday Ehiedu, Collins Ndudi Albert, Okorie Builder, Ernest Achieme, Isicheli Desmond Chijioke, Nwosu Davison, Enadegh Agbonmware, and Lucky Osaro — all pleaded guilty to the charges. Justice F. A. Olubanjo sentenced eight of them to 12 months’ imprisonment or a ₦100,000 fine each, while Justice C. A. Obiozor sentenced the remaining two to six months’ imprisonment or a ₦100,000 fine each for similar offences.
The EFCC said all the convicts also signed undertakings to maintain good conduct going forward. The commission reiterated its warning that spraying, mutilating or otherwise mishandling the naira at parties and public events is a criminal offence punishable under Nigerian law, adding that it will continue enforcing the provisions of the CBN Act against offenders nationwide.
