Crime

Man Sentenced for Spraying and Stepping on Naira Notes While Dancing

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 25th, 2024.

Man Sentenced for Spraying and Stepping on Naira Notes While Dancing

Justice M.A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has convicted Etiusen Stephen for the offense of spraying Naira notes and stepping on them while dancing.

Stephen was arraigned on July 19, 2024, on two counts of Naira abuse, violating Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act. One of the charges stated: “That you, Etiusen Stephen Udo, on or about June 27, 2024, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court, did sell Forty Thousand Naira notes (N40,000.00) to one Edidiong Usoro, thereby committing 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.”

Stephen pleaded guilty to both charges. Prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin requested the court to convict and sentence the defendant and to order the permanent forfeiture of the seized cash to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Defense counsel Udeme Tom pleaded for a lighter sentence, highlighting Stephen’s remorse and status as a first-time offender.

After considering the arguments, Justice Oyetenu convicted Stephen and ordered the forfeiture of the Forty Thousand Naira to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The convict was apprehended on June 27, 2024, at Shelter Afrique area in Akwa Ibom State, along with ten others, while partying at Ken’s Court Luxury Apartments. He was caught spraying Naira notes and carelessly stepping on them while dancing.