The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of popular Hausa singer Hamisu Breaker and TikTok influencer Abubakar Ibrahim, popularly known as G.fresh, for abuse of the Nigerian currency.
The duo was arraigned before Justice Sale Musa Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Kano on Thursday, where they faced charges relating to the spraying and mishandling of Naira notes, a violation of Section 21(1) of the CBN Act, 2007, which prohibits tampering with the nation’s currency.
After the charges were read, both Hamisu Breaker and G.fresh pleaded guilty, prompting the court to deliver a swift judgment. Justice Shuaibu sentenced them to five months imprisonment each, with an option of a ₦200,000 fine.
Hamisu Breaker’s conviction followed an incident in Hadejia, Jigawa State, where he was recorded spraying ₦200 notes totaling about ₦30,000 during a party. Similarly, G.fresh was found guilty of spraying bundles of ₦1,000 notes at a shop-opening ceremony in Tarauni, Kano State.
The EFCC stated that such acts contribute to the mutilation of banknotes, undermining the country’s currency management system.
The convictions align with the EFCC’s renewed efforts to clamp down on celebrities and socialites who flaunt cash at events, weddings, and parties in violation of Nigeria’s currency laws.
In recent months, the commission has arrested several high-profile individuals, including socialites and business moguls, for similar offenses. The EFCC reiterated that public spraying of cash, regardless of social status, attracts criminal prosecution.
The sentencing has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians questioning whether the EFCC is applying the law fairly across all social classes. While some applauded the anti-graft agency for taking bold steps to protect the Naira, others argued that the government should focus more on economic reforms rather than targeting entertainers and influencers.
The EFCC has warned that more arrests will follow as part of its ongoing nationwide operation against Naira abuse. It urged Nigerians to avoid mishandling, selling, or spraying currency notes, emphasizing that such actions violate federal laws and attract fines or prison terms.
This development serves as a stern warning to entertainers and influencers who often showcase wealth publicly, reminding them that the EFCC will not hesitate to enforce existing monetary regulations.