A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has convicted and sentenced 12 individuals for abusing the naira by spraying the currency during a party, while also ordering the forfeiture of seven luxury vehicles recovered from internet fraudsters to the Federal Government. The convictions were secured by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa. The case, which highlights the legal consequences of tampering with Nigeria’s currency, underscores the government’s firm stance on financial crimes and the protection of national monetary integrity.
The 12 convicts—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—were charged under Section 2(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, for tampering with the naira. The offence, which includes spraying the currency while dancing at a birthday party, is punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act. One of the charges specifically named Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen for spraying N20,000 in N200 denomination notes during the event in January 2025.
All defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them, leading prosecution counsel Francis Jirbo to urge the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. The defence counsel, however, pleaded for leniency, citing remorse and requesting that justice be tempered with mercy. Justice Nganjiwa accepted the guilty pleas and imposed sentences of six months imprisonment or a fine of N150,000 for each of the 11 convicts, except Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen, who was fined N200,000 or sentenced to six months in prison. All 12 individuals also signed written undertakings to maintain good conduct in the future.
In a separate but related ruling on Friday, July 17, 2026, the same judge ordered the forfeiture of seven luxury vehicles to the Federal Government. The EFCC confirmed that the vehicles were recovered as proceeds of crime from convicted internet fraudsters. The forfeited cars include a Mercedes Benz GLK (LSD 412 KJ), a Lexus RX 330 (WWR 640 NG), a Mercedes Benz ML (TAB 211 DZ), a Lexus ES 350 (KUJ 125 DB), a Mercedes Benz GLK (BDG 668 JT), a Mercedes Benz GLC (KSF 8867 KM), and another Mercedes Benz GLK (KSF 871 KM). These seizures reflect ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes and recover illicit assets in Nigeria.
The case serves as a strong warning against the misuse of currency and the illegal acquisition of wealth, reinforcing the government’s commitment to financial discipline and accountability. As Nigeria continues to strengthen its anti-corruption and financial crime frameworks, such convictions send a clear message that violations will be met with swift and firm legal action.
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