Make-up Artist Imprisoned for abuse of Naira at his wedding

A make-up artist identified as Abdullahi Huseini has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by a Federal High Court sitting in Kano for abusing and mutilating the Nigerian currency.

The sentence was handed down by S.M Shuaibu after Huseini pleaded guilty to a one-count charge bordering on the abuse of the naira brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“That you, Abdullahi Musa Huseini, on the 6th day of December, 2024, at Ali Jita Event Centre, Kano, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst dancing during a social event tampered with the sum N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) in 1000 notes denomination issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying in the said occasion and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007,” the charge reads.

The make-up artist who was arrested by the EFCC after a credible intel was said to have defaced and abused the naira during his wedding celebration.

A statement by the EFCC reads, “The convict was arrested following credible intelligence on his involvement in the deliberate mutilation of the Nigerian currency by spraying it at his own wedding celebration.”

Upon review of the facts presented by the prosecution counsel, Zarami Mohammed, during the court proceedings, Justice Shuaibu found the defendant guilty and sentenced him accordingly.

“Upon arraignment, Huseini pleaded guilty to the charge, prompting the prosecution counsel, Zarami Mohammed, to present the facts of the case and tender evidence before the court. Delivering judgment, Justice Shuaibu found him guilty as charged and sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment without an option of fine.”

The statement further added that “Investigations revealed that Huseini willfully defaced and abused the Naira notes in defiance of warnings and campaigns against the practice by the EFCC.”

Huseini will serve the full six months term as Nigeria continues its crackdown on naira abuse.