Bobrisky arrested for spraying naira… here’s what  the law says

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended and held Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, for alleged misconduct involving the Nigerian currency, including spraying and mutilating naira notes. 

Bobrisky, known for his controversial persona, was detained in Lagos on Wednesday night and remains in custody at the EFCC’s Lagos Command. 

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest in an interview with newsmen, stating that Bobrisky will face legal charges.

Oyewale said, “Bobrisky is with us. He was arrested last night in Lagos, and he is at our Lagos command. We arrested him for alleged abuse of naira notes, spraying of nara notes, and currency mutilation, among others.

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“We are very serious about restoring the dignity of the naira. Though our investigation is still ongoing, he will definitely be charged to court soon.”

Here’s what the law say:

According to Clean Notes Policy Mutilation refers to the act of tampering with Naira notes, constituting an offense punishable by law under Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act. Furthermore, Section 20 subsection 5 explicitly prohibits the rejection of the Naira.”

How you can abuse the Naira note

• Spraying: It is against the law to spray the Naira banknotes at occasions.
• Writing: It is against the law to write on banknotes.
• Stapling: It is against the law to staple the banknotes as the pins can cause corrosion of the banknotes.
• Tearing: It is also against the law to tear the banknotes
• Soiling: It is against the law to dance/stamp on the Naira banknotes. Do not stain the banknotes with oil or ink, as this is also a form of defacing.
• Sale: It is against the law to sell currency banknotes.
• Mutilation: A person who tampers with the Naira note or coin is guilty of an offence, punishable by law (CBN Act Section 21).
• It is against the law to reject the Naira (Section 20 subsection 5).

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Implications of mutilating or abusing Naira note

• Increase in currency management costs due to the high cost of banknotes replacement.
• Defaced/torn banknotes slow down the sorting process resulting in lower output of clean banknotes.
• Erodes the sense of pride and confidence that Nigerians should feel in their currency.
• Any form of defacement of the currency is a form of ridicule on the nation.
• Prevalence of dirty banknotes in circulation is a potential health hazard to the citizenry.

READ ALSO: Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin jailed for spraying money… here’s why you shouldn’t abuse naira

Penalty for naira abusers:

According to CBN, anyone found abusing, defacing or mutilating a naira note is liable to six months imprisonment or a fine of N50,000.