A Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has convicted 12 people for abusing the naira by spraying banknotes during a social event.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges after admitting to spraying naira notes while dancing at a party, an act prohibited under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
Following their guilty pleas, the court sentenced 11 of the convicts to six months imprisonment with an option of a N150,000 fine each, while the 12th defendant was given the option of paying a N200,000 fine.
The EFCC disclosed this in a statement posted on its X handle on Tuesday, stating that Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa delivered the judgment at the Federal High Court in Warri.
The convicts are Abimbola Dolapo, Ufuoma Okotie, Samuel Kingsley, Rasaki Ayomide, Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe, Abraham Eriata, Favour Onowighose, Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene, Simeon Sabastine, Valentine Chikeze, Omoyibo Destiny Prince and Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen.
According to the anti-graft agency, the offence contravenes the provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
One of the charges stated that Osamudiamen tampered with N20,000 in N200 notes by spraying the money while dancing at a birthday party in January 2025.
The EFCC said prosecuting counsel, Francis Jirbo, urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants after they pleaded guilty, while defence lawyers appealed for leniency, saying the convicts were remorseful.
Justice Nganjiwa subsequently 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 a N150,000 fine.
Osamudiamen was sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of a N200,000 fine.
The EFCC added that all the convicts signed written undertakings to maintain good conduct.
The commission also disclosed that Justice Nganjiwa had on July 17 ordered the forfeiture of seven luxury vehicles to the Federal Government after they were recovered from convicted internet fraudsters.
The vehicles include a Mercedes-Benz GLK, Lexus RX 330, Mercedes-Benz ML, Lexus ES 350, Mercedes-Benz GLC and other Mercedes-Benz GLK models.
