Man Sentenced to Six Months Imprisonment for Naira Abuse in Asaba
In a significant legal ruling, Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, has convicted and sentenced Agbanashi Young to six months imprisonment for the abuse of naira notes. The judgment was delivered on Wednesday, March 19, 2026, following Young's guilty plea to charges related to spraying and matching currency during a cultural event.
Details of the Offence and Legal Charges
Agbanashi Young faced a one-count charge for violating Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007. The prosecution detailed that on November 10, 2023, at Akari Etiti Community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, Young tampered with N10,000 in N200 denominations by spraying and matching the notes while dancing at an event called "Afor Day." This act is explicitly prohibited under the CBN Act, which aims to protect the integrity of the national currency.
The charge stated that Young's actions constituted an offence punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act, highlighting the legal consequences for such misconduct. Upon hearing the charge in court, Young pleaded guilty, leading to a swift judicial process.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Following Young's guilty plea, prosecution counsel Francis Jirbo urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly. In response, the defence counsel appealed for leniency, arguing that Young had shown remorse for his actions and requested that justice be tempered with mercy.
Justice Olubanjo, after considering the arguments, convicted Young and imposed a sentence of six months imprisonment. Alternatively, the court offered a fine of N500,000 as a substitute for the jail term. Additionally, Young was required to submit a written undertaking to maintain good behavior in the future, underscoring the court's emphasis on rehabilitation and deterrence.
Background and Arrest
Young's legal troubles began when operatives of the Commission arrested him for spraying and abusing naira notes at the cultural event. This arrest led to his subsequent charging and conviction in court, marking a clear enforcement of Nigeria's laws against currency misuse. The case serves as a reminder of the legal penalties associated with naira abuse, particularly during public celebrations and gatherings.
This ruling reinforces the Central Bank of Nigeria's efforts to curb practices that degrade the naira, promoting respect for the national currency through judicial measures. It also highlights the role of law enforcement in addressing such offences, ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
