Naira Abuse: Ten Convicted in Delta and Edo for Spraying Currency

​The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of ten individuals across Delta and Edo states for the illegal practice of naira mutilation and abuse. The defendants were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, which prohibits the tampering, spraying, or selling of the national currency.

​Judicial Rulings and Sentences

​The cases were presided over by Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, and Justice (Professor) C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State.

• ​Asaba Convictions: Justice Olubanjo sentenced Lucky Onoberhie, Happy Joseph Isioma, Friday Ehiedu, Collins Ndudi Albert, Okorie Builder, Ernest Achieme, Isicheli Desmond Chijioke, and Nwosu Davison to 12 months imprisonment. Each convict was, however, granted an option of a N100,000 fine.
• ​Benin City Convictions: Justice Obiozor sentenced Enadegh Agbonmware and Lucky Osaro to six months imprisonment each, with an option of a N100,000 fine for each defendant.

​Nature of the Offence

​The convictions stemmed from incidents where the defendants were observed spraying naira notes while dancing at social gatherings, including wedding ceremonies. One notable charge against Ernest Achieme involved the misuse of N50,000 in N200 denominations at a wedding in Kwale on December 31, 2025.

​The prosecution, led by counsel K. W. Chukwuma-Eneh, argued that such actions constitute a direct violation of Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007. Upon being arraigned, all ten defendants entered pleas of guilty, leading the prosecution to request that the court deliver sentences based on their admissions.

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​Legal Context and Compliance

​The abuse of the naira—defined by the CBN as spraying, dancing on, writing on, stapling, or otherwise defacing the currency—is a criminal offence in Nigeria. Beyond the financial penalties, all ten convicts have provided written undertakings to maintain good behavior and strictly adhere to monetary regulations moving forward.

​These convictions serve as part of a broader, sustained enforcement campaign by the EFCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria to curb the persistent abuse of the national currency at public events.