Think Twice Before You Spray! Lagos Man Jailed for Naira Mutilation

 

If you've ever thought about "making it rain" with Naira notes at a social event, a recent court judgment in Lagos should make you think twice! The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of Okoli Frank Emeka to six months imprisonment for mutilating the Naira.

The ruling, delivered on Friday, May 23rd, by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, sends a clear message: abusing the national currency has serious consequences.

Okoli Frank Emeka was arraigned on a one-count charge of tampering with and "matching" (a term often used for stepping on or defacing currency during spraying) Naira notes. The charge specifically stated that on August 18, 2024, at Al-moruf Garden, Isheri Olofin, Lagos, he tampered with N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) by "matching on the same at the said occasion." This act, as confirmed by his guilty plea, contravenes Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.

The EFCC's investigation was reportedly intelligence-driven, sparked by a trending video that surfaced showing the act of Naira mutilation. An investigative officer, Sa’id Sada Sani, testified that surveillance led to Okoli's arrest on May 15, 2025, and he later made a statement regarding the video evidence.

Consequently, Justice Aneke convicted Okoli, sentencing him to six months in prison. He does, however, have an option of a fine in the sum of N250,000.

This case serves as a stark reminder that while "spraying" or "matching" Naira notes might seem like harmless fun at social gatherings, it's a criminal offense. The EFCC is clearly monitoring, and the law is taking its course to protect the integrity of Nigeria's currency.

What are your thoughts on this conviction and the enforcement of Naira mutilation laws?