EFCC nabs three for using ₦500 note as tissue paper

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested three individuals over the alleged mutilation of the Naira.

The suspects, identified as Adam Muhammad, Muhammad Muhammad and Bashir Musa, were arrested after a video circulated on social media showing them cleaning mucus from their noses with a ₦500 note.

According to a statement on Thursday by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the video triggered investigations that led to the tracing and arrest of the suspects within the Maiduguri metropolis.

He said the trio is currently in custody at its Maiduguri detention facility, where investigations are ongoing.

The EFCC added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

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“The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested three individuals over alleged Naira mutilation. The suspects are: Adam Muhammad, Muhammad Muhammad and Bashir Musa. Adam, Muhammad and Musa were arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where they were seen cleaning mucus from their nose using a N500 Naira note.

“Following the release of the video, the Commission traced the trio and arrested them in the Maiduguri metropolis area. The suspects are currently under investigation at the Maiduguri detention facility, while the investigation is ongoing. The suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations, “the statement read.

The arrest comes amid renewed enforcement of laws against the abuse and mutilation of the Naira by the EFCC.

In recent weeks, the commission has intensified arrests and investigations of individuals accused of defacing the national currency, including the recent arrest of a Kannywood actor, Saminu Inuwa, over alleged Naira mutilation.

The development reflects the agency’s broader effort to curb practices considered to undermine the integrity of the Nigerian currency.