Benin High Court Jails Resident for Spraying Naira Notes During Funeral in Police Barracks

Confidence UbaniMay 25, 20241 Mins read1k

A Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State, has convicted and jailed Osazee Kenneth Imagbenikaro for spraying Naira notes during a funeral. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the conviction on May 24 via an X post.

Justice C.A. Obiozor presided over the case and sentenced Imagbenikaro based on a two-count charge related to violating the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007. Imagbenikaro allegedly sprayed N100 notes on April 28, 2023, at Ogida Police Barracks, which is against Section 21(3) of the Act and punishable under Section 21(1).

Imagbenikaro pleaded guilty to the charges. The prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo, requested the court to convict and sentence him, while the defence counsel sought leniency, stating that the defendant was remorseful. Justice Obiozor sentenced Imagbenikaro to six months in prison on each count or a fine of N100,000 per count and required him to undertake in writing to exhibit good behaviour henceforth.

The EFCC’s crackdown on the abuse of the Naira has seen other high-profile arrests, including socialite Cubana Chief Priest, who was granted an N10 million bail, and influencer Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months in jail without the option of a fine for spraying naira notes.