Following the Friday imprisonment of Idris Olarewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for naira mutilation, these are some actions that could lead to legal consequences while using the naira.
The Clean Notes Policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria was implemented with the aim of enhancing the visual appeal and durability of the banknotes in circulation, as stated on the official website of the apex bank.
According to the CBN, the objective is to guarantee that the naira notes in circulation maintain a high standard of quality, enabling them to be easily processed and accepted by the general public.
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Parallel Facts outline some actions that can lead to legal consequences while using the naira below:
Defacing the Naira Note: willfully mutilating the naira note by writing, tearing, drawing on them or stamping on them is prohibited.
Spraying: It is now illegal to spray banknotes at events. Spraying of the naira can also equate to stepping on the naira as the notes will be on the floor.
Stapling: Stapling banknotes is prohibited by law due to the potential for corrosion caused by the pins.
Money bouquets: In February 2023, the CBN also identified money bouquets as a type of naira abuse. Therefore, the common action of wrapping banknotes into roses and put together into a bouquets is now illegal.
Selling: Selling currency banknotes is illegal.
Mutilation: Anyone caught tampering with the naira note will face legal consequences, as stated in the CBN Act Section 21.
Parallel Facts recall that in February 2024, actress, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, was convicted and sentenced to six months in prison for defacing the naira notes by spraying and stepping on them at a social event in Lagos.