EFCC Convicts 31 Kano Residents in Three Months Over Naira Abuse

 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), reavealed among other connected infractions, 31 Kano State citizens have been found guilty of abusing Naira. In a statement that was posted on its website on Saturday, May 18, 2024, the EFCC made this revelation. The convictions, according to the anti-graft agency, demonstrate that it is upholding pertinent legal regulations.

One of such laws is Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007, which states that a person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the apex bank is guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a term not less than six months or to a fine not less than N50,000 or to both such fine and imprisonment.

The EFCC says it will continue to carry out the prosecution of anyone who abuses the Nigerian currency or commits a financial crime.

It stated,  “In an unprecedented display of regulatory enforcement, the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured 31 convictions of individuals involved in Illegal currency trading and the abuse of the Naira.

“Between March and May 2024, the Special Task Force instituted by the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede cracked illegal dealing and mishandling of Nigeria’s currency and got 31 offenders jailed.

“The convicts includes; Munkaila Sani, Mohammed Sani, Muhammad Tijjani, Abubakar Yakubu Garba,Umar Mohammed, Sadiq Ahmad, Amiru Ibrahim, Usman Mahmoud Aminu, Auwal Sharubutu, Abubakar Usman, Salisu Idris, Zarahdeen Sale, Yahaya Isa, Michael Oladipupo, Rose Mabe Akogu, Salako Gboyega, Muktari Haruna, Ibor Ibn Mohd, Onuche Attai, Ibitoye Olanrewaju, Matthew James, Isah Ahmad, Abdullahi Isah Musa, Sagir Musa, Murtala Gambo, Abdulrahman Hassan, Nazifi Musa Isah, Usman Muhd Muhd, Najeeb Abalan, Dickson Egbuka and Habib Abba.”

The anti-graft body revealed that the convicts were apprehended at various locations in Kano, including Wapa BDC Market, Grand Central Hotel and Lagos Street adjacent to Central Bank of Nigeria.

“To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7. However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.”