Legal counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Wahab Shittu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has enlightened Nigerians on naira abuse and mutilation, warning about its consequences when found guilty.

In a lecture delivered during an enlightenment session with stakeholders, including movie producers, musicians, NGOs, media professionals, bureau de change operators and legal experts, Mr Shittu said ignorance of the laws prohibiting naira abuse in any form was not an excuse or shield from its legal consequences.

Mr Shittu said, “Many perhaps are unaware that tampering with, trading in notes and coins, spraying or matching naira notes either by way of spreading, scattering or littering of any surface with any naira notes or coins or otherwise stepping thereon regardless of the value, volume occasion or intent constitutes a crime that could give rise to sanctions including penal consequences. Many are equally unaware that the popular tradition of spraying money specifically at weddings, parties and even clubs could land the culprits in jail if caught.”

According to the senior lawyer, Nigeria is not alone in the fight against currency abuse and mutilation as there are similar laws in other countries such as the U.S., UK, Singapore, India and South Africa. .

The EFCC counsel, cited the CBN Act and other laws prohibiting naira abuse and mutilation in Nigeria, urging Nigeria to “protect and respect” the naira.

He stated, “Significantly, there’s also strong legal backing under the CBN Act 2007 against spraying, writing on, mutilating, or stapling naira notes all of which are punishable under the law.’’


Suggesting how Nigerians could use the naira at social and cultural events without violating the law, Mr Shittu said that it was important to ensure compliance by ensuring by avoiding spraying naira at parties or engaging in any unwholesome practices against it.


He added, “We can appreciate celebrants by depositing our funds into carefully designed bags or ensuring the use of neatly packed envelopes to be presented as gifts during social occasions. We could also transfer directly into designated accounts of celebrants. This way, we can avoid the danger of being arrested or going to jail through either naira abuse or naira mutilation.’’