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In Nigeria, a make-up artist has been handed a six-month jail term for currency abuse, specifically for mishandling the naira by tossing banknotes during his wedding celebration last December. This incident underscores the ongoing crackdown against the practice of naira abuse in the nation.
Make-up Artist “Amuscap” Sentenced for Naira Abuse at Wedding
Abdullahi Musa Huseini, widely known as “Amuscap” on social media platforms, received his sentence from a high court in Kano, a northern Nigerian city, shortly after admitting to the charges.
The Offense: “Spraying” Naira at Celebrations
The act of tossing or “spraying” naira banknotes, a customary display at weddings and other festivities in Nigeria, is often intended to showcase affluence and express joy. However, authorities consider this practice a form of currency abuse.
EFCC’s Campaign Against Naira Mutilation
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been actively campaigning against this tradition, asserting that it demonstrates disrespect towards the naira, a significant national symbol.
Amuscap’s sentencing marks the latest instance of an individual being imprisoned for contravening the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007, which criminalizes the abuse of the naira.
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Legal Ramifications for Naira Abuse
The Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007 explicitly states that “spraying, dancing upon, or marching on the naira” constitutes an offense. Punishment includes imprisonment for a minimum of six months, a fine of 50,000 naira (approximately $32 or £25), or both.
The EFCC stated that Amuscap “mishandled” 100,000 naira by spraying the banknotes while dancing during his wedding reception, leading to his conviction for naira abuse.
Precedent Cases: Bobrisky and Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin
Previously, transgender personality Bobrisky and actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin each served six-month prison terms in the past year for similar offenses, highlighting the EFCC‘s consistent enforcement of the law against naira abuse.
Public Reaction to the Sentencing
The verdict against the make-up artist has provoked varied reactions on social media. Some users expressed outrage, deeming the punishment overly severe.
Critics have pointed out what they perceive as inconsistencies in justice, contrasting the swift punishment for naira abuse with the perceived leniency towards those accused of large-scale corruption and embezzlement of national funds.