EFCC ARRESTS THREE OVER ALLEGED NAIRA MUTILATION IN MAIDUGURI

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested three individuals over the alleged mutilation of the Naira in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The suspects, Adam Muhammad, Muhammad Muhammad and Bashir Musa, were apprehended after a video circulated on social media showing them allegedly cleaning mucus from their noses with a ₦500 note.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the viral video prompted investigations that led to the identification and arrest of the suspects within the Maiduguri metropolis.

“The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested three individuals over alleged Naira mutilation. The suspects are: Adam Muhammad, Muhammad Muhammad and Bashir Musa,” the statement read.

“Adam, Muhammad and Musa were arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where they were seen cleaning mucus from their nose using a N500 Naira note.

“Following the release of the video, the Commission traced the trio and arrested them in the Maiduguri metropolis area. The suspects are currently under investigation at the Maiduguri detention facility. The suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations.”

The arrests come amid renewed enforcement of laws prohibiting the abuse and mutilation of the Naira.

In recent weeks, the commission has intensified efforts to clamp down on individuals accused of defacing the national currency, including the recent arrest of Kannywood actor Saminu Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.

The development underscores the EFCC’s broader campaign to curb practices considered detrimental to the integrity and sanctity of Nigeria’s currency.