Naira abuse: EFCC arrests woman for spraying N1000 notes

The Gombe State Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has apprehended a woman named Janty Emmanuel for reportedly misusing the Nigerian currency in the region.

Emmanuel was taken into custody on May 20, 2024, after authorities received information about her throwing Naira notes at a social gathering.

The commission’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, revealed this in a statement released on Tuesday. According to the statement, upon her arrest, Emmanuel was shown a video of herself dancing and tossing N1,000 Naira notes at G-Connect in Tumfure, Gombe State.

After confessing to the crime, she will face court charges once investigations are completed. The anti-corruption agency has been actively pursuing Nigerians involved in naira abuse for several months.

In April 2024, Bobrisky, the controversial crossdresser also known as Idris Olarewaju Okuneye, was sentenced to six months in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos State for his involvement in naira abuse, with no possibility of a fine.

During the sentencing of the defendant, Justice Abimbola Awogboro emphasized that the verdict would serve as a warning to individuals engaging in the misuse and defacement of the naira.

Prior to receiving his sentence, Bobrisky appealed to the court, expressing his lack of knowledge regarding the law pertaining to naira abuse.

He highlighted his role as a social media influencer with a substantial following of over five million individuals. In response, the judge reiterated that ignorance of the law does not excuse one’s actions.

Bobrisky acknowledged this by stating, I understand, Your Honor. I humbly request an opportunity to utilize my platform for educating my followers on proper money handling practices.

I am willing to create a video on my page to raise awareness about responsible money usage. Your Honor, I deeply regret my past behavior and assure you that it will not recur.

In an alternate turn of events, the well-known celebrity barman Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, came to a mutual understanding with the EFCC to settle the accusation of mishandling naira notes without involving the court.

Cubana Chief Priest stood before Justice Kehinde Ogundare and was accused of three counts related to improper handling of the national currency at a social gathering.

It was alleged that he sprayed and manipulated naira notes during an event at Eko Hotel in Lagos. Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, he was granted bail amounting to N10 million.