TWO SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS CONVICTED FOR NAIRA ABUSE IN IBADAN
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By Aishat Momoh.
Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has convicted two social media influencers, Bukola Arike Rufai and Abdulateef Ayinde Jimoh, for abusing Nigerian currency in violation of the Central Bank Act.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that the duo was arraigned on a joint one-count charge bordering on currency mutilation.
According to the charge, the offence occurred on or about September 25, 2024, when the defendants were captured in a viral video trampling on naira notes while spraying money during a celebration. The video, which was posted on TikTok, triggered public outrage and prompted their arrest and prosecution.
The charge read: “That you Bukola Arike Rufai and Abdulateef Ayinde Jimoh on or about the 25th day of September, 2024, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did match on Naira Notes, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (3) of the Central Bank Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.”
The accused pleaded guilty to the charge. EFCC counsel, Lanre Suleiman, presented the facts of the case and submitted incriminating evidence, urging the court to convict and sentence them. Defence counsel, O.D. Ajadi, pleaded for leniency, stating that the offenders were remorseful and were first-time violators.
In her ruling, Justice Agomoh convicted the duo and imposed an option of fine of N50,000 each.
The conviction underscores the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to enforce currency handling laws and curb abuse of the naira, especially in public and online spaces.
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