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TikTok Influencers Convicted, Fined N50,000 Each for Naira Abuse 

 

A Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, has convicted two social media influencers, Bukola Arike Rufai and Abdulateef Ayinde Jimoh, for abusing the Nigerian currency.

 

Justice Uche Agomoh handed down the judgment after the duo pleaded guilty to charges brought against them by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

 

According to a statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, both defendants were prosecuted on a joint one-count charge of currency mutilation in violation of Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007, and punishable under Section 21(1) of the same law.

 

The charge stated:

“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 court heard that the influencers posted a video on TikTok in which they were seen spraying and trampling on Naira notes during a social gathering, an act that led to their arrest and prosecution.

 

During the court proceedings, EFCC counsel, Lanre Suleiman, presented evidence and urged the court to convict and appropriately sentence the duo. In response, defence counsel, O.D. Ajadi, pleaded for leniency, noting that the defendants were first-time offenders and had shown remorse for their actions.

Justice Agomoh subsequently convicted them but imposed a lenient sentence an option of a N50,000 fine each, instead of jail time.

 

The conviction adds to growing efforts by the EFCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria to curb the rising trend of Naira abuse, especially among social media users and celebrities.

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