By Francis Wilfred
The Benin Zonal Directorate of the has secured the conviction of 10 individuals for naira mutilation and abuse before the sitting in Asaba, Delta State, and Benin City, Edo State.
The convicts are , , , , , , , , and .
According to a statement signed by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, , the defendants were prosecuted for tampering with the naira by spraying the currency while dancing at social events, contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
One of the charges against Ernest Achieme stated that he sprayed ₦50,000 in ₦200 denominations issued by the while dancing at a wedding ceremony in Kwale on December 31, 2025.
The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read in court. Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, , urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Justice convicted and sentenced Onoberhie, Isioma, Ehiedu, Albert, Builder, Achieme, Chijioke and Davison to 12 months’ imprisonment or an option of a ₦100,000 fine each.
In a separate ruling, Justice convicted and sentenced Agbonmware to six months’ imprisonment or a ₦100,000 fine for spraying the naira. Osaro received the same sentence for a similar offence.
The court also directed all the convicts to sign undertakings to be of good conduct.
The EFCC said the convicts were arrested and prosecuted for abusing the naira in violation of extant laws prohibiting the mutilation and improper handling of Nigeria’s currency.
