Court jails man six months for Naira abuse

Nkereuwem Effiong

Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday, 19 March 2026, convicted and sentenced Agbanashi Young for spraying and abuse of naira notes.

Young was convicted on one count relating to the spraying and trampling of naira notes, contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007.

The charge read in part: “That you, Agbanashi Young (m), on or about 10 November 2023, at Akari Etiti Community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while dancing during a cultural event known as ‘Afor Day’, tampered with the sum of N10,000 (Ten Thousand Naira) in N200 denominations issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying and trampling on same, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act.”

The defendant pleaded guilty when the charge was read to him. Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo, urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, while defence counsel appealed for leniency, noting that the defendant was remorseful.

Justice Olubanjo subsequently sentenced Young to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira). The court also ordered him to sign a written undertaking to maintain good behaviour.

Young’s prosecution followed his arrest by operatives of the commission for spraying and abusing naira notes at a public event.