The Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged serial abuse of the Naira by a prominent Abuja-based real estate entrepreneur and socialite (name withheld).
The petition, dated 21 July 2025 and received by the EFCC headquarters in Abuja at 1:36 p.m. on Tuesday, accuses the individual of “repeated and deliberate” violations of Nigeria’s currency laws during social gatherings.
INAHURAT’s National Coordinator, Gerald Katchy, stated in the petition that the socialite was “seen spraying and trampling on naira notes at various locations, including Etsako in Edo State and Obosi in Anambra State,” with videos of these acts allegedly shared on her social media platforms.
The group contends this behavior violates Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which prohibits spraying, dancing on, or stepping on naira notes during social events.
“This conduct constitutes a clear breach of the law. It is particularly disheartening that this individual appears to operate with impunity, often seen in public escorted by law enforcement officers who seemingly refuse to enforce the law,” the petition stated.
INAHURAT urged the EFCC to investigate and prosecute the case, warning that preferential treatment would undermine public confidence in anti-corruption efforts.
“We strongly believe that this matter warrants equal treatment and urgency, similar to recent high-profile prosecutions. No citizen should be exempt from legal accountability,” the petition emphasized.
The EFCC confirmed receiving the petition, assigning it reference number EFCC/PET/HQR/2932/2025.
This development comes as the EFCC intensifies its crackdown on naira abuse. Last Friday, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reiterated that currency mutilation is a criminal offense, describing the naira as “a symbol of our sovereignty.”
“We take all violations of the law seriously. An offence is an offence, regardless of who commits it,” Olukoyede stated, announcing a special task force to combat dollarization and currency abuse in collaboration with the CBN.
The Chairman revealed that several celebrities and high-profile individuals are currently under investigation for similar offenses.
Recent convictions demonstrate the Commission’s stance on naira abuse. On 8 May 2025, Babatunde Olaitan and Tobilola Olamide received six-month prison sentences (with a ₦200,000 fine option) for spraying naira at a Lagos nightclub.
In May 2024, Justice C.A. Obiozor of Benin’s Federal High Court sentenced Osazee Imagbenikaro to six months imprisonment for spraying ₦100 notes at a funeral. Earlier this year, the EFCC also charged social media personality Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest) on three counts for allegedly spraying ₦500 notes at events.
