By Paulinus Nta, A’IBOM |
Justice M.A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has convicted Etiusen Stephen for spraying Naira notes and stepping on them while dancing.
He was arraigned on July 19, 2024, on a two-count charge of Naira abuse, an offense that contravenes the provisions of Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act.
One of the charges read: “That you, Etiusen Stephen Udo, on or about June 27, 2024, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, did sell Forty Thousand Naira notes (N40,000.00) only to one Edidiong Usoro and thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 21 (4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.”
When the charges were read to the defendant, he pleaded guilty to both counts.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin, prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly and order a permanent forfeiture of the cash recovered from him to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
However, defense counsel Udeme Tom prayed the court for a lighter sentence, noting that the defendant was remorseful and a first-time offender.
However, after listening to both counsels, Justice Oyetenu convicted Etiusen and ordered the forfeiture of the Forty Thousand Naira recovered from him to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The convict was arrested at the Shelter Afrique area of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, alongside ten others while partying at Ken’s Court Luxury Apartments.
He was caught spraying Naira notes and carelessly stepping on them while dancing.
This act was deemed to be in violation of the CBN Act, which prohibits the abuse of the national currency in any form.
The prosecution stressed that such behaviour not only disrespects the currency but also undermines the efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria in maintaining the integrity and value of the Naira.
