Popular Nigerian musicians Babatunde Peter Olaitan, known as Tee Dollar, and Tobilola Olamide, popularly called Tobi Nation, have been sentenced to six months imprisonment for abusing the Nigerian currency, the naira.
Their conviction followed legal action initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. According to a statement issued by the commission, the duo was arraigned and convicted before Justice Alexander Owoeye at the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The EFCC stated that the offence contravenes Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which prohibits any form of tampering with the national currency.
Tee Dollar was found guilty of tampering with N200 notes by spraying them at a public event, while Tobi Nation was also convicted for spraying naira notes while dancing at a similar gathering—both acts classified as illegal under the CBN Act.
The two defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. Justice Owoeye subsequently sentenced each of them to six months in prison, with the option of paying a fine of N200,000.
“This case serves as another reminder that the abuse of the naira, especially by public figures, will not be tolerated,” the EFCC noted.
Their conviction adds to a growing list of high-profile personalities previously summoned or sanctioned by the EFCC for similar offences. Others include E-Money, Iyabo Ojo, AY Comedian, Cubana Chiefpriest, and controversial internet personality Bobrisky. While some received jail terms, others were fined or cautioned.
The EFCC has recently reiterated its commitment to curbing naira abuse and enforcing the provisions of the Central Bank Act.