CurrrentReport Blog A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has called the attention of authorities to the continued abuse of naira notes in Nigeria. Igbokwe lamented that Nigerians still engage in acts such as throwing naira notes on the ground and stepping on them during parties, burials, and naming ceremonies, despite the ban on naira abuse.
Taking to his Facebook page on Sunday, Igbokwe questioned whether the ban on naira mutilation and abuse had been lifted.
He wrote:
“Let me remind the authorities concerned that Nigerians are still throwing naira notes on the ground and still walking on it at parties, burial, naming ceremonies, etc. Have we lifted the ban? So that you know.”
Efforts to Curb Naira Abuse
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and law enforcement agencies have intensified measures in recent years to prevent naira abuse, including prosecutions of high-profile individuals.
- Bobrisky: Popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, was handed a six-month jail term for naira abuse.
- Cubana Chief Priest: Socialite Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, was arraigned for spraying and stepping on naira notes. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
- Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin: Nollywood actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for similar offenses.
Naira Abuse: A Criminal Offense
According to the CBN Act, the mutilation, spraying, or stepping on naira notes is a criminal offense punishable by fines or imprisonment. The ongoing disregard for the law has raised concerns about enforcement and public awareness of the penalties for such actions.
Joe Igbokwe’s statement is a reminder to both the public and authorities to prioritize respect for the naira as a national symbol and enforce the laws governing its use.
