The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction of 12 individuals for naira abuse before the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State.

The EFCC disclosed in a statement posted on its X handle on Tuesday that Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa convicted the defendants after they pleaded guilty to charges of tampering with naira notes by spraying them while dancing at a party.

The convicts are Abimbola Dolapo, Ufuoma Okotie, Samuel Kingsley, Rasaki Ayomide, Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe, Abraham Eriata, Favour Onowighose, Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene, Simeon Sabastine, Valetine Chikeze, Omoyibo Destiny Prince and Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen.

According to the anti-graft agency, the offence contravenes the provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

The charge against Osamudiamen reads, “That you Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen (m) on or about January 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing at a birthday party tampered with the sum of N20,000 (Twenty Thousand Naira) in N200 denomination issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act.”

The EFCC said the defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them, prompting prosecuting counsel, Francis Jirbo, to ask the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

It added that defence counsel appealed for leniency, telling the court that the defendants were remorseful.

“Justice Nganjiwa convicted and sentenced Abimbola Dolapo, Ufuoma Okotie, Samuel Kingsley, Rasaki Ayomide, Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe, Abraham Eriata, Favour Onowighose, Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene, Simeon Sabastine , Valetine Chikeze and Omoyibo Destiny Prince to six months imprisonment or a fine of N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) each while Atenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen bagged six months imprisonment or a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira).

“All the convicts undertook in writing to be of good conduct going forward,” the statement said.

EFCC further disclosed that Justice Nganjiwa on Friday, July 17, 2026 ordered the forfeiture of seven luxury vehicles to the Federal Government.

According to the EFCC, the vehicles were recovered as proceeds of crime from convicted internet fraudsters.

They include a Mercedes-Benz GLK, Lexus RX 330, Mercedes-Benz ML, Lexus ES 350, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Mercedes-Benz GLC and another Mercedes-Benz GLK. (The PUNCH)

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