Ten persons have been convicted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for mutilating and abusing the Nigerian currency in Delta and Edo states.
The convictions were secured by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC before the Federal High Courts sitting in Asaba and Benin City.
Those convicted are Lucky Onoberhie, Happy Joseph Isioma, Friday Ehiedu, Collins Ndudi Albert, Okorie Builder, Ernest Achieme, Isicheli Desmond Chijioke, Nwosu Davison, Enadegh Agbonmware and Lucky Osaro.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendants were prosecuted for violating Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007, by spraying and mishandling the naira during social events.
One of the charges against Ernest Achieme stated that he tampered with ₦50,000 in ₦200 denominations by spraying the notes while dancing at a wedding ceremony in Kwale, Delta State, on December 31, 2025.
The EFCC maintained that such acts constitute an offence under the CBN Act, which prohibits the abuse, mutilation and defacement of the nation’s legal tender.
When the charges were read before the courts, all the defendants pleaded guilty.
Following their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, K. W. Chukwuma-Eneh, urged the courts to convict and sentence them in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court, Asaba, convicted Lucky Onoberhie, Happy Joseph Isioma, Friday Ehiedu, Collins Ndudi Albert, Okorie Builder, Ernest Achieme, Isicheli Desmond Chijioke and Nwosu Davison.
The judge sentenced each of them to 12 months imprisonment with an option of a ₦100,000 fine.
In a separate ruling at the Federal High Court in Benin City, Justice (Professor) C. A. Obiozor convicted Enadegh Agbonmware and Lucky Osaro for similar offences involving the spraying of the naira at social gatherings.
Both were sentenced to six months imprisonment with the option of paying a ₦100,000 fine instead of serving the jail term.
The court also directed all the convicts to sign written undertakings pledging to maintain good conduct and refrain from engaging in acts that violate the nation’s currency laws.
The EFCC said the convictions underscore its continued enforcement of laws protecting the integrity of the naira, warning members of the public against spraying, mutilating or abusing the country’s currency during ceremonies and celebrations.
The anti-corruption agency reiterated that offenders risk prosecution and sanctions under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act.
