The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday said 12 persons were convicted by the Federal High Court in Warri for spraying naira notes at a party, an offence contrary to the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
In a statement posted on its X handle, the EFCC said Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa delivered the judgment after the defendants pleaded guilty to the charge.
According to the anti-graft agency, the convicts admitted to tampering with naira notes by spraying them while dancing at a party. One of the charges stated that Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen sprayed N20,000 in N200 notes at a birthday party in January 2025.
The court sentenced Abimbola Dolapo, Ufuoma Okotie, Samuel Kingsley, Rasaki Ayomide, Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe, Abraham Eriata, Favour Onowighose, Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene, Simeon Sabastine, Valentine Chikeze and Omoyibo Destiny Prince to six months imprisonment each, with an option of N150,000 fine.
Osamudiamen was sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of N200,000 fine.
Prosecuting counsel, Francis Jirbo, urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants following their guilty pleas, while defence lawyers prayed for leniency, saying the convicts were remorseful.
The EFCC added that all the convicts signed written undertakings to be of good conduct henceforth.
The commission also disclosed that Justice Nganjiwa, on July 17, ordered the final forfeiture of seven luxury vehicles to the Federal Government. The vehicles were recovered from convicted internet fraudsters.
The forfeited vehicles include a Mercedes-Benz GLK, Lexus RX 330, Mercedes-Benz ML, Lexus ES 350, Mercedes-Benz GLC and other Mercedes-Benz GLK models.
The EFCC reiterated that spraying, squeezing, or defacing the naira remains an offence under the CBN Act, 2007.
