10 convicted for Naira Mutilation, Abuse in Delta, Edo States
Crime/Social Justice
Asaba, Delta — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of 10 individuals for tampering with and abusing the Nigerian naira in Delta and Edo states.
In a statement issued on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale identified the convicts as Lucky Onoberhie, Happy Joseph Isioma, Friday Ehiedu, Collins Ndudi Albert, Okorie Builder, Ernest Achieme, Isicheli Desmond Chijioke, Nwosu Davison, Enadegh Agbonmware, and Lucky Osaro.
The Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC prosecuted the cases, with convictions secured on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Eight of the convicts appeared before Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, while the remaining two were tried before Justice (Prof.) C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State.
The offences involved spraying naira notes while dancing at parties and social events, contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007.
One sample charge against Ernest Achieme read:
“That you Ernest Achieme (m) on or about the 31st December, 2025 at Kwale within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, whilst dancing at a wedding ceremony tampered with the sum of N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) in N200 (Two Hundred Naira) denomination issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (3) of the same Act.”
All defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. Justice Olubanjo sentenced Onoberhie, Isioma, Ehiedu, Ndudi Albert, Builder, Achieme, Chijioke, and Davison to 12 months’ imprisonment each or a fine of N100,000. Justice Obiozor sentenced Agbonmware and Osaro to six months’ imprisonment each or a fine of N100,000.
The convicts reportedly undertook in writing to be of good conduct in the future.
The EFCC has intensified its crackdown on naira abuse, particularly the common practice of spraying or mutilating currency at social gatherings.
The commission has repeatedly warned that such acts constitute criminal offences under Nigerian law, urging citizens to treat the national currency with respect.
This latest round of convictions underscores ongoing efforts by the anti-graft agency and the judiciary to enforce compliance with currency protection regulations.
