Justice Aneke Convicts Actress for Mishandling National Currency
In a landmark judgment, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin to six months in prison for her involvement in tampering with and disrespecting the new Nigerian Naira notes during a social event. The actress was convicted on two-count charges brought against her by the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Omoseyin initially pleaded not guilty to the charges but later changed her plea to guilty during the recent court hearing, acknowledging her involvement in the incident. The charges alleged that on January 28, 2023, at Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos, she tampered with the sum of ₦100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by spraying the notes during a social occasion.
Evidence and Legal Proceedings
The prosecution counsel presented compelling evidence, including the defendant’s statement under caution, videos from the event showing her actions, and additional investigations carried out jointly by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). These materials substantiated the charges of tampering with and disrespecting the national currency.
The defence counsel pleaded for leniency, emphasizing that Omoseyin is a first-time offender, a mother of one, and expresses genuine remorse for her actions. He further requested a non-custodial sentence on behalf of the convict, citing her willingness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Aneke sentenced Omoseyin to six months imprisonment, effective immediately, with an option of paying a ₦300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) fine into the consolidated revenue account of the federation. The judge considered mitigating factors such as her status as a first-time offender and her expression of remorse.
“This judgment serves as a deterrent to anyone who might consider mishandling or disrespected Nigeria’s national currency. It underscores the importance of respecting our monetary symbols and the laws governing their use.”
Omoseyin’s arrest by ICPC operatives followed the viral circulation of a video showing her spraying and stepping on the newly redesigned Naira notes at a party. In her statement, she claimed to have received the notes from unidentified fans at the event. Alongside the prison sentence, a Range Rover was recovered from her at the point of arrest. The verdict highlights the legal consequences associated with the mishandling of national currency and reinforces the sanctity of the CBN’s regulations.
The case against Omoseyin underscores the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s currency and deterring acts that undermine its value. As public figures face increasing scrutiny for their behavior, this judgment serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with visibility and influence.
