The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of ten individuals for naira mutilation and abuse. The convictions were handed down by Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State, and Justice (Professor) C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court, Benin City.
Details of the Convicts
The convicts include Lucky Onoberhie, Happy Joseph Isioma, Friday Ehiedu, Collins Ndudi Albert, Okorie Builder, Ernest Achieme, Isicheli Desmond Chijioke, Nwosu Davison, Enadegh Agbonmware, and Lucky Osaro. They were found guilty of tampering with the naira by spraying the currency while dancing at a party, an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007.
Specific Charges and Sentences
The charge against Ernest Achieme reads: “That you Ernest Achieme (m) on or about the 31st December, 2025 at Kwale within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, whilst dancing at a wedding ceremony tampered with the sum of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) in N200 (Two Hundred Naira) denomination issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (3) of the same Act.” Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, K. W. Chukwuma-Eneh, to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Justice F. A. Olubanjo convicted and sentenced Onoberhie, Isioma, Ehiedu, Ndudi, Builder, Achieme, Chijioke, and Davison to 12 months imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 each. In a similar development, Justice Obiozor convicted and sentenced Agbonmware to six months imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 for spraying the naira, while Osaro was convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 for a similar offence.
Impact and Deterrence
All the convicts undertook in writing to be of good conduct going forward. They were arrested and prosecuted for abusing the Naira, contrary to extant laws against such a practice. The EFCC's action underscores its commitment to enforcing the Central Bank of Nigeria Act and deterring the public from mutilating or abusing the national currency.
