KEY POINTS

• Two social media personalities, TDollar and TobiNation, were sentenced to six months in prison or a N200,000 fine each for spraying Naira notes at a Lagos event, violating the Central Bank Act.

• EFCC used a viral TikTok video as evidence and confirmed the offense through a swift investigation, resulting in their conviction in a Federal High Court.

• The case highlights Nigeria’s ongoing crackdown on Naira abuse, with EFCC warning citizens against the public defacement or spraying of the national currency.

Two individuals have been convicted and sentenced in Lagos for violating Nigeria’s laws on currency abuse after being caught on video spraying N200 notes at a social gathering.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully prosecuted the case, marking yet another warning against the public misuse of the national currency.

Babatunde Peter Olaitan, popularly known as TDollar, and Tobilola Olamide, also known as TobiNation, were sentenced to six months in prison each by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi.

According to SaharaReporters, the sentencing came after both defendants pleaded guilty to single charges of Naira mutilation, an offence under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007.

The charges stem from a social event held on April 8, 2025, at 23 Macdonald Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, where the two were seen dancing and spraying N200 notes — an act that later went viral on TikTok and drew widespread attention.

EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate launched its investigation on April 10 after the video began circulating online. According to EFCC investigative officer Ibrahim Bukar, the agency initiated a swift intelligence-led probe, during which both suspects were invited to give statements.

Social Media fame turns sour as EFCC cracks down on naira abuse

“Olaitan told investigators he received a bundle of N200 notes from a fan at a nightclub and proceeded to spray the money in celebration,” Bukar testified in court. “The viral video was used to confirm the identity of both accused persons, and they voluntarily responded to our inquiries.”

During the court proceedings, EFCC prosecutors C.C. Okezie and H.U. KofarNaisa presented video footage and written statements as evidence. The material was admitted by the court, and no objections were raised by the defense. The judge then delivered a guilty verdict, followed by sentencing.

Justice Owoeye sentenced both individuals to six months’ imprisonment with an option to pay a fine of N200,000 each. While neither defendant had prior criminal records, the judge emphasized that their actions violated the sanctity of Nigeria’s currency and were punishable by law.

The CBN has long condemned the practice of spraying or defacing the Naira, especially at weddings, parties, and public events. According to the apex bank, such actions not only degrade the value of the currency but also incur substantial costs in currency reprinting.

In recent years, EFCC has intensified its enforcement of currency abuse laws, targeting not only celebrities but also ordinary citizens engaged in public displays of wealth involving cash. Several cases are currently under investigation across other states, as the commission continues its zero-tolerance stance on financial misconduct.

Bukar added that EFCC will remain vigilant in monitoring digital content for evidence of crimes. “Social media is now a crucial tool in exposing illegal acts. These convictions serve as a clear deterrent,” he said.

Public reactions to the sentencing have been mixed. While some commend the EFCC for upholding the law, others have raised concerns about selective enforcement and the need for broader financial education on the legal status of the Naira.

The EFCC has encouraged the public to report any similar incidents of currency abuse and reiterated that ignorance of the law is not an excuse.