Justice M. A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, has convicted one Etiusen Stephen for spraying naira notes.

The convict was arraigned on July 19, 2024, on a two-count charge bordering on naira abuse.

He was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for contravening the provisions of Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act.

One of the charges reads: “That you, Etiusen Stephen Udo, on or about 27th June 2024, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did sell forty thousand naira notes (N40,000.00) only to one Edidiong Usoro and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.”

When the charges were read to the defendant, he pleaded ‘guilty’ to both counts.

Given his plea, prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly and order a permanent forfeiture of the cash recovered from him to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

However, defence counsel Udeme Tom prayed the court to give a lighter sentence, stressing that the defendant was remorseful and a first-time offender.

After listening to both counsels, Justice Onyetenu convicted Etiusen, and ordered the forfeiture of the N40,000 recovered from him to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The convict was arrested at the Shelter Afrique area of Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, June 27, 2024, alongside ten others while partying at Ken’s Court Luxury Apartments.

According to EFCC, he was caught spraying naira notes and carelessly stepping on them while dancing.