A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has sentenced a social media influencer to six months imprisonment with an option of a N50,000 fine for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria Act by abusing the naira.
The conviction and sentencing were secured by the Kano State Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Simone Amobeda on Wednesday.
The influencer was initially arrested in January 2025 for allegedly spraying naira notes while dancing in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano—an act that contravenes Section 21(1) of the CBN Act, which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Nigerian currency.
Though granted administrative bail pending her arraignment, she failed to appear in court when scheduled, opting instead to evade the legal process. However, following weeks of investigation and surveillance, EFCC operatives rearrested her on March 16, 2025.
She was arraigned on May 20, 2025, and pleaded guilty to the amended one-count charge. After reviewing the facts of the case, prosecution counsel Musa Isah urged the court to convict her.
Delivering judgment, Justice Amobeda sentenced her to six months imprisonment with an option of N50,000 fine.
In addition, the judge issued a consequential order appointing the influencer as an ambassador for the EFCC and Central Bank of Nigeria in digital campaigns against naira abuse, owing to her considerable presence on social media.
As part of the order, she is expected to use her platforms to educate her audience on the need to respect the naira and understand the legal consequences of abusing the national currency.
