A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has sentenced 12 individuals for abusing the Nigerian currency by spraying naira notes during a party. The court also ordered the permanent forfeiture of seven luxury vehicles recovered from convicted internet fraudsters to the Federal Government.
The rulings were delivered by Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa following separate proceedings involving naira abuse and assets linked to cybercrime.
12 Convicted for Spraying Naira at Party
The 12 convicts are:
- Abimbola Dolapo
- Ufuoma Okotie
- Samuel Kingsley
- Rasaki Ayomide
- Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe
- Abraham Eriata
- Favour Onowighose
- Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene
- Simeon Sabastine
- Valentine Chikeze
- Omoyibo Destiny Prince
- Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen
They were prosecuted for tampering with the naira by spraying banknotes while dancing at a social event, an offence punishable under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007.
According to court records, all 12 defendants pleaded guilty after the charges were read before the court.
Charge Against One of the Defendants
One of the charges filed against Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen stated that he tampered with ₦20,000 in ₦200 denominations by spraying the notes during a birthday celebration in January 2025 within the court’s jurisdiction.
The charge described the act as a violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
Court Hands Down Sentences
Following the guilty pleas, the prosecution urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants in accordance with the law.
Lawyers representing the defendants pleaded for leniency, arguing that the accused had shown remorse and asking the court to temper justice with mercy.
Justice Nganjiwa subsequently sentenced:
| Convict | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Abimbola Dolapo | Six months imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine |
| Ufuoma Okotie | Six months imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine |
| Samuel Kingsley | Six months imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine |
| Rasaki Ayomide | Six months imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine |
| Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe | Six months imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine |
| Abraham Eriata | Six months imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine |
| Favour Onowighose | Six months imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine |
| Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene | Six months imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine |
| Simeon Sabastine | Six months imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine |
| Valentine Chikeze | Six months imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine |
| Omoyibo Destiny Prince | Six months imprisonment or a ₦150,000 fine |
| Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen | Six months imprisonment or a ₦200,000 fine |
The court further noted that each of the 12 convicts signed written undertakings pledging to maintain good conduct in the future.
Federal High Court Orders Forfeiture of Seven Luxury Cars Linked to Internet Fraud
Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa also ordered the forfeiture of seven luxury vehicles recovered from convicted internet fraudsters to the Federal Government.
The order followed an application seeking the permanent confiscation of assets identified as proceeds of cybercrime.
According to court records, the vehicles forfeited include:
| Vehicle | Registration Number |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLK | LSD 412 KJ |
| Lexus RX 330 | WWR 640 NG |
| Mercedes-Benz ML | TAB 211 DZ |
| Lexus ES 350 | KUJ 125 DB |
| Mercedes-Benz GLK | BDG 668 JT |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | KSF 8867 KM |
| Mercedes-Benz GLK | KSF 871 KM |
The forfeiture means ownership of all seven vehicles has officially been transferred to the Federal Government after the court determined they were proceeds of criminal activities linked to convicted internet fraudsters.
