Twelve individuals have been jailed for naira abuse after Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, sentenced them on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, for spraying and tampering with naira notes during a party, following prosecutions brought by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The convicted individuals are Abimbola Dolapo, Ufuoma Okotie, Samuel Kingsley, Rasaki Ayomide, Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe, Abraham Eriata, Favour Onowighose, Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene, Simeon Sabastine, Valentine Chikeze, Omoyibo Destiny Prince and Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen.
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The EFCC charged the defendants with offences bordering on abuse and mutilation of the naira, contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007.
Prosecutors told the court the defendants sprayed naira notes while dancing at a social event, an act prohibited under Nigerian law.
One of the charges against Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen stated that the defendant tampered with ₦20,000 in ₦200 denominations during a birthday party in January 2025 by spraying the notes while dancing.
All 12 defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read before the court. Prosecuting counsel Francis Jirbo urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants based on their guilty pleas.
Defence counsel appealed for leniency, telling the court that the defendants were remorseful and had resolved to change their conduct.
Justice Nganjiwa sentenced 11 of the convicts to six months’ imprisonment or an option of a ₦150,000 fine each. Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen received six months’ imprisonment or an option of a ₦200,000 fine, reflecting the specific facts of that charge.
The court also directed that all the convicts provide written undertakings to maintain good conduct in the future, a measure aimed at discouraging repeat offences.
The EFCC, through its prosecutor, maintained that spraying and mutilating the naira undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s legal tender and remains a punishable offence under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act.
Defence counsel told the court the defendants “have become remorseful for their action” and pleaded for mercy before sentencing.
The convictions form part of the EFCC’s sustained enforcement campaign against naira abuse and other currency-related offences.
In recent months, the Commission has increased prosecutions involving the public spraying, stamping and mutilation of naira notes at weddings, birthdays and other celebrations, warning that such practices violate Nigerian law despite their cultural prevalence.
The latest ruling came just days after Justice Nganjiwa ordered the forfeiture of seven luxury vehicles to the Federal Government.
The vehicles had been recovered by the EFCC as proceeds of crime from convicted internet fraudsters, highlighting the court’s continued handling of financial crime cases in the Warri judicial division.
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The judgment reinforces the authorities’ determination to protect the national currency through stricter enforcement while reminding the public that long-standing social customs involving the spraying of cash can attract criminal penalties.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
