Court jails 12 for naira abuse, orders forfeiture of seven luxury cars in Delta
Federal High Court Sentences 12 for Naira Abuse
WARRI, Delta State – A Federal High Court has convicted and sentenced 12 individuals for illegally spraying Nigeria’s naira currency at a party. The court also ordered the forfeiture of seven luxury vehicles seized from convicted internet fraudsters to the Federal Government.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the convictions, which were secured by its Benin Zonal Directorate before Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa.
The convicted individuals are Abimbola Dolapo, Ufuoma Okotie, Samuel Kingsley, Rasaki Ayomide, Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe, Abraham Eriata, Favour Onowighose, Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene, Simeon Sabastine, Valentine Chikeze, Omoyibo Destiny Prince, and Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen.
According to the EFCC, the defendants were charged with violating the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007 by tampering with the naira during a birthday celebration. One charge against Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen specifically indicated that he had sprayed N20,000 in N200 denominations while dancing.
All defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. Prosecution counsel Francis Jirbo requested that the court impose appropriate sentencing. However, the defense counsel urged for leniency, citing the remorse expressed by the convicts.
In his ruling, Justice Nganjiwa sentenced 11 of the defendants to six months in prison or a fine of N150,000 each. Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen received a slightly higher fine option of N200,000 for his crime. The court noted that all 12 convicts acknowledged their commitment to good behavior in the future by signing written undertakings.
In a separate ruling on July 17, 2026, Justice Nganjiwa ordered the forfeiture of seven luxury vehicles to the Federal Government, described by the EFCC as proceeds of crime from the recent fraud convictions. The forfeited vehicles include various models of Mercedes Benz and Lexus, with specific registration numbers listed in the court’s order.
