EFCC Secures Conviction of Man for Naira Abuse in Lagos: Full Story Behind the 6-Month Jail Sentence

In a significant ruling on Friday, May 23, 2025, the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the conviction and sentencing of one Okoli Frank Emeka for mutilating and tampering with the Nigerian Naira. The conviction was handed down by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by the EFCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to enforce financial discipline and protect the integrity of the nation’s currency. It also sheds light on the growing scrutiny of social behavior that violates financial laws, particularly the abuse of Naira notes during social occasions—a common cultural practice that now faces legal consequences.

Background: What Did Okoli Frank Emeka Do?

According to the charge filed against him, Okoli Frank Emeka was accused of tampering with and trampling on Naira notes worth ₦2,000,000 (Two Million Naira) at a social event held on August 18, 2024, at Al-Moruf Garden in Isheri Olofin, located in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The official charge read in court stated:

“That you, Okoli Frank Emeka, on the 18th day of August, 2024, at Al-moruf Garden, Isheri Olofin, Alimosho Local area of Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst matching on the Naira notes during a social occasion, tampered with the sum of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, by matching on the same at the said occasion and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.”

The act of spraying or trampling on Naira notes at parties and ceremonies is often considered a sign of celebration and generosity. However, the Central Bank Act of 2007 classifies such actions as criminal offences punishable by fines and/or imprisonment. This case serves as a reminder of the implications of disregarding these regulations.

Okoli’s Arrest and the Role of Social Media

The case against Emeka began when the EFCC launched an intelligence-driven investigation following a viral video that surfaced online. The video allegedly showed him spraying and stomping on bundles of cash during a celebration, an act widely condemned as Naira abuse.

During the trial, EFCC Investigative Officer Sa’id Sada Sani testified that the agency launched a surveillance operation based on the trending footage. He said:

“A surveillance was carried out, leading to the arrest of the defendant on May 15, 2025. He was shown a video of him spraying the money and he made a statement regarding it.”

The EFCC often relies on public tip-offs and online evidence to build cases against offenders, especially in financial crimes that happen in public or go viral on social media. In this instance, the video clip became a key piece of evidence.

Evidence Presented in Court

After Emeka pleaded guilty to the one-count charge, EFCC Prosecuting Counsel Z.B. Atiku presented the court with detailed findings from the investigation. This included:

• The defendant’s voluntary statement during interrogation

• Video footage of him abusing the currency

• Additional digital evidence proving that he had indeed tampered with the Naira at the party

The materials were tendered and admitted as evidence by the court, solidifying the prosecution’s case.

With all this presented, the prosecution urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant in line with the provisions of the Central Bank Act, 2007.

The Court’s Verdict

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke accepted the guilty plea and ruled in favor of the prosecution. He subsequently convicted Okoli Frank Emeka and sentenced him to six months imprisonment for the offence of Naira mutilation.

However, the court also gave him the option of paying a fine of ₦250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) instead of serving the full prison term.

This judgment marks another milestone in the EFCC’s clampdown on currency abuse and aims to serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in similar acts at social gatherings.

Public Reactions: Nigerians React to EFCC's Action

As expected, the case has stirred a wave of reactions on social media. While some Nigerians praised the EFCC for enforcing the law, others questioned the prioritization of cases and the perceived double standards in Nigeria's justice system.

Here are a few comments from online readers:

“Only the poor boys who cannot bribe you get this shit. What happened to EMoney, Pascal, and the likes?” – Anonymous

“They leave criminals that have spoiled this country and chase shadows in the name of naira abuse… shameless EFCC.” – Akpa-ose

“Very useless commission” – Anonymous

“Forcing us to jettison our culture and tradition!” – Elizabeth Olufunmilayo

This shows the deep cultural divide between traditional celebratory practices and the legal framework that now criminalizes some of them.

Legal Implications: What the Law Says About Naira Abuse

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has repeatedly warned Nigerians against mutilating or mishandling the Naira, which includes:

• Spraying money during parties

• Writing on currency notes

• Stapling or selling Naira notes

• Tearing or trampling on cash

Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007, under which Okoli was convicted, clearly states:

“A person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the Bank is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not less than ₦50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not less than six months or to both such fine and imprisonment.”

Despite these laws, enforcement had been lax for years—until the EFCC and the CBN renewed efforts to curb the widespread abuse of currency, especially following viral videos from weddings and burial ceremonies.

Why This Matters: A New Era of Accountability?

With the conviction of Okoli Frank Emeka, the EFCC appears to be setting an example to drive behavioral change and reinforce respect for national symbols like the Naira. This case, though small in financial scale compared to major fraud cases, sends a strong message.

It also reflects how technology and social media can be harnessed for law enforcement, as viral content now has the potential to initiate criminal investigations.

Final Thoughts

The sentencing of Okoli Frank Emeka for spraying and trampling on ₦2 million Naira notes may seem harsh to some, but it stands as a legal precedent and a cautionary tale for Nigerians who engage in public displays that violate financial laws.

Whether the public agrees with the decision or not, one thing is clear: the days of treating the Naira without regard are coming to an end. Citizens must become more aware of the legal consequences of such actions.

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