A Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto has convicted and sentenced three men to various jail terms for mutilation of the Nigerian currency through the act of spraying naira notes at social events.
Justice Ahmad G. Mahmud on December 10, 2025, found Ahmad Abdullahi Buhari, Jamilu Bello and Yasir Muhammad Bala guilty after they pleaded guilty to a five-count charge bordering on naira mutilation, contrary to Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007.
According to the charges, Jamilu Bello was arrested for spraying ₦20,000 while dancing at a birthday party at Fixon Restaurant, Sokoto, on July 7, 2025. Yasir Muhammad Bala was similarly charged for spraying ₦40,000 during a birthday celebration at Pip Zone Hangout along Sama Road, Sokoto, on November 8, 2025. The offences were said to have been committed within the jurisdiction of the court.
The prosecution counsel, Dr Aliyu Bokani Usman, urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants after they admitted guilt to all the charges.
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In his ruling, Justice Mahmud sentenced Jamilu Bello to one year imprisonment on each of the two counts against him, with an option of a ₦100,000 fine on each count. Yasir Muhammad Bala was sentenced to one year imprisonment with an option of a ₦100,000 fine. Ahmad Abdullahi Buhari was also sentenced to one year imprisonment on each count, with an option of a ₦100,000 fine per count.
The court further ordered all the convicts to depose to affidavits of good behaviour with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to be endorsed by their parents or guardians.
Additionally, Justice Mahmud directed the convicts to undertake community sensitisation programmes in secondary schools within their communities on the effects of cybercrime and other fraudulent activities, under the supervision of designated EFCC officers.
The convicts were arrested by operatives of the EFCC for spraying naira notes at social events and subsequently charged to court, where they pleaded guilty and were convicted.
