Universal Times

In a landmark judgment, Justice M.A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has convicted Etiusen Stephen for spraying Naira notes and carelessly stepping on them while dancing. The incident occurred on June 27, 2024, at Ken's Court Luxury Apartments in the Shelter Afrique area of Uyo.

Etiusen was arraigned on July 19, 2024, on a two-count charge bordering on naira abuse, an offense that contravenes the provisions of Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act. He pleaded guilty to both counts, leading to his conviction and sentencing.

The charges against Etiusen read: "That you Etiusen Stephen Udo on or about 27th June 2024 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did sell Forty Thousand Naira notes (N40,000.00) Only to one Edidiong Usoro and thereby Committed an offense contrary to Section 21 (4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act."

During the trial, 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. Defence counsel Udeme Tom, on the other hand, pleaded for a lighter sentence, stressing that the defendant was remorseful and a first-time offender.

Justice Oyetenu, after listening to both counsels, convicted Etiusen and ordered the forfeiture of the Forty Thousand Naira recovered from him to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The arrest of Etiusen and ten others at the scene of the incident highlights the growing concern about naira abuse in Nigeria. The CBN has repeatedly warned against the mistreatment of the national currency, emphasizing that it is a symbol of national pride and identity.

In this article, we will explore the implications of Etiusen's conviction and the broader context of naira abuse in Nigeria. We will also examine the legal framework governing the use and treatment of the national currency.