A judgement was delivered by Justice M. A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State, finding one Etiusen Stephen guilty of sprinkling naira notes.
On July 19, 2024, the defendant faced a two-count charge related to the misuse of naira notes, as reported by NewsNow.
Etiusen was brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for violating Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act.
One of the accusations stated: “You, Etiusen Stephen Udo, on or about June 27, 2024, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, within the jurisdiction of this esteemed court, sold forty thousand naira notes (N40,000.00) to a person named Edidiong Usoro, thereby contravening Section 21 (4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 and subject to punishment under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.”
Upon hearing the charges, the defendant admitted guilt on both counts.
Upon this confession, prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin requested the court to convict and impose a sentence on the defendant, in addition to directing the forfeiture of the confiscated cash to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In contrast, defense counsel Udeme Tom urged the court to consider a lighter penalty, emphasizing the defendant’s regret and lack of prior offenses.
After considering the arguments of both legal representatives, Justice Onyetenu found Etiusen guilty and ruled for the forfeiture of the recovered N40,000 to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The apprehension of the convict took place on June 27, 2024, in the Shelter Afrique vicinity of Akwa Ibom State, where he and ten others were detained while enjoying at Ken’s Court Luxury Apartments.
According to the EFCC, he was apprehended for spraying naira notes and disregarding them by dancing on top of the money.