Warri Court Convicts 12 for Naira Abuse
The EFCC prosecuted them for spraying naira at parties; eleven face six months or ₦150,000 fines, one ₦200,000.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of 12 persons for abusing the naira before Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State.
The convicts were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC for spraying naira notes while dancing at birthday parties and other social events.
They are Abimbola Dolapo, Ufuoma Okotie, Samuel Kingsley, Rasaki Ayomide, Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe, Abraham Eriata, Favour Onowighose, Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene, Simeon Sabastine, Valetine Chikeze, Omoyibo Destiny Prince and Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen.
The offence contravenes Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges, prompting EFCC counsel, Francis Jirbo, to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Defence counsel pleaded for leniency, urging the court to temper justice with mercy, while noting that the defendants had shown remorse for their actions.
Justice Nganjiwa sentenced 11 of the convicts to six months in prison or a fine of ₦150,000 each.
Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen was sentenced to six months in prison or a fine of ₦200,000.
The convicts also undertook in writing to be of good conduct in the future.
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